Samir deputized for skipper Shadi Mohamed at the heart of defense as the African champions claimed the league's top spot with a slender 1-0 victory over the in-form Hodoud.

Commenting on the performance of his side's backline, Al-Badri implied that the inexperienced Samir is on course to cement his place in the team.

"Samir's inclusion is logic. He played well in the previous game against Zamalek and so he stays on the pitch," the Red Devils' second man told the club's official site.

"Manuel Jose's philosophy states that whoever is ready to play will get the chance, regardless of names.

"There is strong competition between players for regular spots."

Samir's progress meant that Ahli's long-serving center-half Shadi, who has just returned from injury, remained on the bench for the whole game at Cairo Stadium.

Awful

Al-Badri opposed media criticism to Ahli's defense of late, stressing that the team's current position proves his point.

"If our defense is so awful like they say (media), then we wouldn’t have been top by now," he added.

"I think our players have been consistent lately and that’s why we are top. But it is too early to say we are champions. We have to work harder in order to maintain our position."