The title holders atoned for a disappointing draw with Police Union in their league opener after claiming a narrow victory over Gaish, who suffered their second consecutive defeat.

Defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour scored a rare goal after 36 seconds following an intricate move to give Ahli all three points

For Al-Badri, Ahli should have secured a comprehensive win over their modest opponents at Military Academy Stadium.

"We wasted many easy opportunities against Gaish. We could have won by more than a one-goal margin," he said after the game.

"If we had taken advantage of those chances we would have killed off the game in the early stages.

"But anyway, the league teams are improving. Gaish matched us for some parts in the game."

Little Action

A game of few chances and little action hardly offered the spectators something to cheer about.

Attendees might have regretted watching the match from the stands instead of staying at their homes to lessen the impact of Cairo's high temperature and stifling humidity.

Al-Badri underlined the superiority of Ahli but still gave Gaish credit for working hard to secure a share of spoils.

However, Gaish coach Farouk Gaafar believes the army club are the ones who were in firm control of the game.

"Ahli had the better possession but that possession was useless. After the first two minutes, my team took control and launched a wave of attacks," he said.

"I played with three strikers in the second half while Ahli played with three defensive midfielders to stop the threat of our attack.

"Ahli won just because we wasted many chances not because they were better than us."