Al Ahly trains under new coach’s watchful eye before Champions League showdown

Al Ahly’s first team held their main training session today ahead of their upcoming journey to Burundi, where they will face Aigle Noir in the CAF Champions League.

The session was overseen by new Danish coach Jess Thorup, who observed but didn’t lead exercises as his full staff have yet to arrive. Assistant coaches Adil Mostafa and Mohamed Nagib conducted the workout, with tomorrow’s session marking Thorup’s true debut.

Several international players returned to training after their national duty. Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng participated, while Tunisian Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane trained individually, and other key absentees are expected soon.

Al Ahly’s football management has mapped out a full training schedule leading up to Saturday’s big match. The team aims to reclaim the Champions League after last season’s disappointing semi-final exit. The squad will fly to Burundi on Thursday, prepping on local pitches, and return right after the match.

Injuries have affected the lineup: Ashraf Dari, Hussein El Shahat, Emam Ashour, and Karim Fouad are all ruled out. El Shahat needs two months to recover, Fouad is expected back in a week, and Dari faces at least three more weeks of rehab