"Abdullah's performance wasn't a surprise for the coaching staff because if we were not sure he is in a good form, we wouldn't start him," Al-Badri told a press conference on Sunday.

The international right-back looked rusty when he started against Sfaxien in the African Champions League final last week after almost ten months out of action.

His substitution with Islam Al-Shater in Tunis was the turning point as Ahli went on to win 1-0 and clinch the title.

"He was frustrated after Sfaxien's game but we decided to field him to restore self-confidence and he benefited from the opportunity," Al-Badri said.

Goals by Mohamed Sedik and Emad Meteb and a brace from Flavio sealed Ahli's first win after being crowned African champions.

They jumped three places in the table to settle in fourth spot with 20 points, with three matches still in hand.