The Liberian was unlucky not to score in the Reds' narrow win as he was denied by the post and saw his headed goal wrongly disallowed late in the game.

"Francis performed well and we are happy with his contribution," Ahli coach Al-Badri said.

"I expect more of the same from him in the upcoming period, despite the obvious jinx he is facing."

Pressure eased

Al-Badri indicated that the hard-fought victory eased some of the pressure on the out-of-form champions, who turn their attention to the Champions League.

"The victory helped some of the players regain the lost confidence following some poor performances recently," he added.

"I think it eased some of the pressure on our shoulders ahead of Sunday's meeting with Esperance."

Ahli, host the Tunisian champions at Cairo Stadium in the Champions League semis, moved to third place in the league after amassing their 11th point.