Fury In Egypt: Calls For Al Ahly Overhaul After CAFCL Failure

A former Al Ahly star has expressed his dissatisfaction with the side for failing to secure CAF Champions League qualification next season, deeming it “unacceptable” despite the club earning a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Red Devils ended the season in third place, one point behind runners-up Pyramids SC and three behind Zamalek, who emerged as champions.

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Their third-place finish means that the side will compete in the Confederation Cup next year instead of the Champions League, marking the first time in 23 years that the Egyptian giants will not feature in Africa’s premier continental competition.

During a television interview, former Al Ahly striker Emad Moteab blasted the club for their league position.

“Hard luck to Al-Ahly fans, not the players. Al-Ahly being in third place is a situation I haven’t seen in years,” Moteab said, per Africa Soccer.

“I cannot accept that Al-Ahly is in third place, but in general, I accept winning and losing. The players have only themselves to blame, as they are the reason for this position, which is an unacceptable ranking,” he added.

The former player went on to call for a broader review of the club, saying the setback should serve as a wake-up call for major changes.

“The loss could cause a wake-up call, but Al-Ahly needs an administrative and technical review, as well as a review of the way players, both professionals and locals, are selected.

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“In the coming period, many things must happen at Al-Ahly, which has improved its image in the last three matches, but the start of next season must be strong and make the fans forget what happened this season.”

The 12-time record continental champions experienced an underwhelming Champions League campaign by their standards, being knocked out by Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the quarter-final stage.