Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane insists that it was imperative for his side to secure a win over ENPPI as they continue to prepare for the highly anticipated Caf Champions League final against Wydad Athletic Club.

The Red Devils returned to winning ways in the Egyptian Premier League after they secured a 2-1 victory over ENPPI as Ali Maalou’s brace was enough for his side to bag all three points.

The win moved Ahly up to third place in the league standings with 37 points after 16 games, trailing second-placed Pyramids FC by two points and four points behind log-leaders Zamalek.

However, Mosimane will now turn his attention to the Caf Champions League when they take on Wydad Athletic Club in the final at the Stade Mohamed V on Monday, 30 May.

“This victory is for Al Ahly fans who came and supported us tonight,” Mosimane told his club’s official website.

“We won tonight for one reason. We took a decision to play and win on this pitch. We had to make a comeback and win. This was our last game before the Caf Champions League final. We gave many players the opportunity to play.

“We had to play Afsha as a No 6 [defensive midfielder] and Hany as a centre back, because all my defenders were out.

“It’s not a secret that we were under pressure. It’s normal to be under pressure.

“Our opponent had several chances but we controlled the game.

“I do not coach football to break records. I coach to win games. If we win a lot of games, than we might break records.

“As for our Caf Champions League final on May 30, we have a lot of injuries now. In the meantime, those who played today are the only players available for the final. We went through the same situation in the Fifa Club World Cup and we managed to overcome the situation.”