Al Ahly begin 18-day break after concluding grueling season with Club World Cup exit
- Hossam Ahmed
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Al Ahly have finally brought their long and intense 2024–25 season to an end following their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted in the United States.
After a dramatic 4-4 draw against Portugal’s FC Porto in the final matchday of the group stage, the Egyptian giants bowed out of the tournament, finishing fourth in Group A with just two points. Al Ahly had earlier drawn with Inter Miami and suffered a defeat to Palmeiras.
As a result, the players have been granted a full 18-day break from training by the technical staff, led by head coach José Riveiro, to recover before beginning preparations for the new season.
A Disappointing Season by Al Ahly Standards
Despite clinching two domestic titles — the Egyptian Premier League (Nile League) and the Egyptian Super Cup — the season fell short of the high expectations set by the club and its fans.
Al Ahly lost the CAF Super Cup to arch-rivals Zamalek, were eliminated in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League at the hands of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, and were absent from this season’s Egypt Cup due to disciplinary sanctions stemming from their withdrawal from the previous edition.
Looking at the rivals in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Al Ahly could have gone farther than what they reached, at least to the Round of 16.
The turbulent campaign also saw a change in the managerial helm. Swiss coach Marcel Koller was dismissed following the Champions League exit. Emad El Nahhas took over on an interim basis before José Riveiro took charge ahead of the Club World Cup.
Looking Ahead
The Red Devils will return to training after the 18-day rest period to begin their preseason preparations. With Riveiro now fully at the helm, the club will be aiming to bounce back strongly and challenge on all fronts in the upcoming season.
