Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller stated that the team’s sole objective from the match was to secure victory following Ahly's 3-1 victory over Stade d'Abidjan in Ivory Coast. Al Ahly defeated Stade d’Abidjan 3-1 away from home in the fifth round of the CAF Champions League group stage.
Koller noted that the team performed well at the start of the game but the difficult conditions and high humidity affected the players’ physical output. Consequently, the team conceded a goal and missed some attacking opportunities.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, as quoted by the official website of Al Ahly, Koller said: “We faced some challenges before the match, including injuries to a large number of players. Therefore, I salute every player for the great effort they put into the match, which helped us achieve victory and collect the three points.”
He added: “Stade d’Abidjan performed better today than in their previous match with us in Cairo. They are accustomed to playing in these conditions and managed to dominate the first half, taking the lead. However, we succeeded in turning things around during the second half.”
Koller continued: “Al Ahly took a long time to adapt to the match's atmosphere due to the high temperatures and the challenging pitch conditions. During halftime, I spoke to the players about the need to work harder and stronger in the second half, to reach the goal more often, diversify attacks, and focus on shooting. This approach helped us score three goals and win the match.”
Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour also spoke following the match where he expressed his happiness with the team’s 3-1 victory against Stade d’Abidjan on their home ground and in front of their fans. Ashour was the hat-trick hero with all three of Ahly's goals.
Ashour acknowledged the difficulty of the match, especially with the numerous injuries that had affected the team recently. He praised the spirit shown by all the players during the game. According to Al Ahly’s official website, Ashour dedicated the victory to his teammates, the coaching staff, Al Ahly fans and his family emphasizing that the team still has one remaining group stage match which they aim to win to secure the top spot in the group.
Ashour highlighted that he and his teammates are giving their all to achieve victory in every game. He also commended the fans’ presence in Côte d’Ivoire, stressing that Al Ahly fans always support the team wherever they go and are crucial in motivating the players to give their best and bring them joy.
The former Zamalek player concluded by stating that since joining Al Ahly, he has been determined to give his maximum effort for the benefit of the team and to secure victories in all matches.
In the other match from Group C, Orlando Pirates will host CR Belouizdad on Sunday at 1 PM GMT in the same round.
Updated Group C standings after the match:
1- Al Ahly (Egypt) – 10 points.
2- Orlando Pirates (South Africa) – 8 points.
3- CR Belouizdad (Algeria) – 6 points.
4- Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast) – 1 point.
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