Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri is surprised of the media attack on his side after losing to Ittihad Jeddah in the Club World Championship.

"A defeat is still a possibility in any time," Al-Badri told FilGoal.com on Monday.

"It is unbelievable that we are attacked so furiously by the same press that has been praising us for the last 17 months."

Ittihad, Asian and Arab Champions, beat Ahli 1-0 in the tournament opener to snap the Ahli's 55-game uneaten run.

After the defeat, Egyptian press has sharply criticized the Egyptian and African champions, describing them as just "domestic champions" who fell in the first "real test".

Portuguese manager Manuel Jose, meanwhile, blamed the defeat on his players during a press conference in the Egyptian embassy on Monday.

Jose said Ahli seemed to be playing without Mohamed Barakat who was out of form and lost the efforts of Angolan international star Gilberto due to injury.

But he singled out goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari for criticism when he said the international keeper made a "silly error" that resulted in the Ittihad's only goal.

Ahli will play Australian side Sydney on Friday in an attempt to snatch the fifth spot.