The Red Devils used to wrap up the league title several rounds before the end during the past four seasons.

This term the title race went down to the wire as Ahli will meet Ismaili in a playoff match on Sunday after they defeated Gaish and Tersana respectively on Wednesday.

"Ismaili's ability to catch us put the players under immense pressure, which dearly affected our performances," Moawad, who came on as a second-half substitute in Ahli's crucial 3-1 victory over Gaish, said.

"But I'm sure that we will improve in the league decider against Ismaili."

The playoff will take place at Harras Hodoud's Max Stadium in Alexandria on Sunday.

It will be the third meeting between Ahli and Ismaili in such a decisive game.

Ismaili defeated Ahli 2-0 in 1991 but the Cairo giants had the upper hand three years later, winning 4-3.