Ahli came back from a goal down to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory; their first in four successive matches.

A significant inclusion in the starting line-up was the 17-year-old Rabiea, who had an impressive debut in midfield for the league holders.

“The players were determined to regain the lost confidence and claim the victory,” Zizo, who got his first three points with Ahli, said after the game at Cairo Stadium.

“I think the achievement of the game tonight was Rami.”

Rabiea, who was only promoted by Zizo this week, signed a professional contract with Ahli on Sunday.

Underestimated

On the other hand, Hodoud manager Tarek Al-Ashri admitted that his side shouldn’t have underestimated the six-time African champions.

“We wasted the victory today,” said Al-Ashri, who watched the game from the stands due to a one-match suspension.

“We underestimated Ahli and if we played in the second half like we did in the first, we would have won.”