"We don't have enough strikers in our squad besides Emad Meteb and Flavio," the Portuguese manager said in the press conference that followed Ahli's 2-0 win over Ismaili.

"Osama Hosni is injured and Ahmed Galal is young and inexperienced, what can I do," Jose added.

Flavio wasted to scoring opportunities to score against Ismaili in the postponed Egyptian league match that took place in the Military Academy Stadium but Jose refuses to accept the fact that the Angolan international has yet to live to expectations.

"Flavio is a good player, he moves well on the pitch and his only problem is that he hasn't found the net yet."

Defenders Emad Al-Nahhas and Wael Gomaa scored Ahli's goals from a penalty-kick and a late header, respectively.

Jose admitted that his side did not live up to expectations and that Ismaili were formidable opponents.

"Ismaili were just exemplary," he said. "They were the more dangerous side for the majority of the game, but the lacked the final touch."

Jose dished out praise for Ismaili opposite number Theo Buecker for fielding a young and talented line-up.

He also said that Ahli will be ready for the upcoming clash against Masri despite the huge number of absentees in the Red Devils' squad.

Mohamed Shawki and Wael Gomaa picked up their second yellow cards against Ismaili which means both players will miss the match against Masri.

Ismaili coach Buecker was furious about the penalty-kick that was awarded to Ahli after Shawki was allegedly brought down by Sayed Moawad in the area.

"I was close to the play and I assure you that Moawad was going for the ball not Shawki's legs," a frustrated Buecker said.

"Once again I will repeat my advice to Egyptian football officials: Work on improving the level of refereeing, because it doesn't live up to standard," the German said.

Buecker said that he is happy with the performance of the "new-look" Ismaili team but noted he lacked a top-notch striker to complete his squad.

"It would be nice to have a striker like Meteb in my squad.

"But unfortunately you can't find players of his caliber in the supermarket, they are rare and expensive," the witty German said.

"Ahli's chances of retaining the title are at 2 million % despite Zamalek's recent improvement," he added.