Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup laments missed chances against Petrojet

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup expressed disappointment after his team’s 1-1 draw against Petrojet. 

He emphasized in the post-match press conference that “We created many chances, especially in the last 60 minutes, but didn’t capitalize. Football is measured by goals, which come from creating opportunities. We tried several times, with Taher Mohamed and Nejc Gradisar up front, but we only scored once. I am saddened by this draw.”

Thorup added that halftime tactical adjustments were meant to improve pressure and attacking transitions, but missed opportunities kept the score even.

The atmosphere in Al Ahly’s locker room was tense after the result, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy advising teammates to avoid media discussions. Defensive errors in the first half gave Petrojet an early lead, while Al Ahly’s play became more precise after the break, culminating in Nejr Gradisar’s equalizer.

Al Ahly legend Diaa El Sayed harshly criticized the team’s defense on TV, calling their performance “catastrophic” and warning that, “The team won’t win any championships without new defenders.” He noted, “The goal conceded repeated familiar mistakes. El Shenawy erred by leaving his goal early. Al Ahly struggles defending set pieces, and Gradisar should have started.” El Sayed argued, “Only Hady Riyadh of Petrojet stands out among Egyptian defenders.”