Former Al Ahly player Hesham Hanafy praised the club's display in the Cairo derby after the 3-0 Egyptian Premier League win over Zamalek.
Hanafy said Al Ahly started the match cautiously before taking full control, adding that the team showed impressive commitment and defensive discipline.
He described Al Ahly as "solid" against Zamalek and stressed that the domestic title race is still open heading into the final stretch of the season.
He also said the CAF Champions League remains the continent's most important club competition and argued that the tournament loses part of its value when Al Ahly are absent, while still acknowledging the significance of the Confederation Cup.