Friends turned foes on Sunday as Abdul-Hadi took the field with Petrojet's colors against a Zamalek side that he co-captained for several years and steered to domestic and African glory on more than one occasion.

"I was worried before the game because I couldn't forecast how Zamalek fans will react when they see me on the pitch," he told the Egyptian Satellite Channel (ESC) after his side's 2-0 defeat.

Abdul-Hadi was given an ovation by thousands of Zamalek fans who chanted his name during the warm-up for the match.

The 32-year-old international left Zamalek this summer and signed for newly-promoted Petrojet after being told by Portuguese coach Manuel Cajuda to look for another club.

"I was really relieved by this reception from the fans who know very well how much I love Zamalek and how devoted I was to the team over the past years," he said.

"I don't want to get into details because everyone knew how I was forced to leave the club."

Abdul-Hadi played the whole game against Zamalek and put on a remarkable display despite conceding two goals.

Petrojet were up to the men in white till the 28th minute when Amr Zaki opened the score line, despite a desperate effort from Abdul-Hadi to block his powerful shot.

They fell two down just before the break after Abdul-Halim Ali found the net from close range.

Yet, Abdul-Hadi believes Petrojet played a good game and stressed that the lack of experience was the only reason behind the defeat.

"Most of our players are young and never played in the premier league before," he said. "It is even the first nationally-televised game for many of them."

"They will gain the needed experience by time and will be able to perform against big clubs like Zamalek."

Despite the defeat, Petrojet remained third with six points, trailing leaders Zamalek on goal difference.