Al Ahly’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Bank Al Ahly in Monday’s 17th round of the Egyptian Premier League has intensified concerns among fans and analysts alike.
The result extended the Red Devils’ poor run, leaving them with six draws and one defeat from 14 league matches. Beyond the dropped points, supporters are increasingly worried that the club’s chances of winning trophies this season are slipping away.
The frustration stems not only from league struggles but also from early exits in domestic cup competitions. Al Ahly were knocked out of the Egypt Cup by a second-division team and failed to advance past the group stage of the Cairo Cup.
Compounding the issues, a Zamalek victory in their upcoming match against Kahraba Ismailia would see the Reds drop to third in the standings despite the team’s ongoing financial and administrative challenges, including a transfer ban, the inability to sign new players, and the mid-season sales of Nabil Emad Donia and Nasser Maher.
Goalkeeping concerns
Officials at Al Ahly have raised questions about the rotation of goalkeepers under Danish coach Jes Thorup. Many believe the constant changes are counterproductive. If the coach has confidence in a specific starter, he should maintain consistency to stabilize the team and avoid unnecessary disruption in defence.
Integrating new signings
The handling of new players, particularly Moroccan defender Youssef Belammari, has drawn criticism. A club source described the reasoning for keeping him out of the lineup as illogical, especially when other recent signings, such as Angolan Eltseen Kamoisch, were immediately included despite long periods without competitive play. Belammari, alongside Hady Reyad and Amr Elgazar, needs to be gradually integrated to strengthen the squad and improve depth.
Contract renewals and departures
Contract negotiations remain another pressing issue. Key players, including Aliou Dieng and Ahmed Koka, are in limbo, with the risk that uncertainty could affect their focus and increase injury exposure.
Additionally, the club must expedite the resolution of Ahmed Abdelkader’s transfer to Al Karama and finalize Hussein El Shahat’s contract renewal to restore stability in the dressing room.
Imam Ashour and squad discipline
Midfielder Imam Ashour’s situation has become a focal point after fans jeered him during the Bank Al Ahly match, calling for him to commit or leave.
A social media post showing Ashour training with his daughter further fueled criticism. Club officials, including director Walid Salah Eldin, are under pressure to enforce discipline and maintain focus during this crucial stage of the season.
Al Ahly now faces a critical period where decisions on management, player integration, and squad discipline will determine whether the club can salvage its domestic campaign and stabilize its performance in the league.
