"Chairman Kamel Abou-Ali reached an agreement with Basri to lead the team until the end of the season," Masri GM Mohsen Sheta told FilGoal.com.

The former Zamalek star steps in to replace Tarek Al-Sawi, who succeeded Swiss Alain Geiger last month.

Al-Sawi, however, will remain as assistant coach with the new technical staff.

Since taking charge, the former Masri defender led the team to three straight draws, including an impressive one against Ahli last week, before losing 3-1 at bottom club Ittihad on Tuesday.

Following the sacking of Mokhtar Mokhtar last November, Masri have hired four managers including Alaa Maihoub, Geiger, Al-Sawi and finally Basri.

Basri, a former ENPPI, Arab Contractors and Ittihad manager, will start his mission against lowly Wadi Degla next week.