Al Ahly deny investigation into Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta after player clash

Al Ahly have denied reports that Moroccan head coach Hussein Ammouta has been referred for an internal investigation following an incident involving midfielder Ali Mahmoud during their 1-1 draw with Al Mokawloon Al Arab.

The incident occurred after Mahmoud was substituted in the second half of the Egyptian Premier League match, with footage showing an exchange between the young midfielder and Ammouta as he made his way off the pitch.

Egyptian media reports claimed Ammouta had reacted after Mahmoud appeared to acknowledge Al Ahly football director Wael Gomaa before walking past the Moroccan coach without shaking his hand.

However, a source within the Egyptian giants has dismissed suggestions that Ammouta was summoned for an investigation over the incident.

Ammouta insists exchange with Mahmoud was normal

Ammouta played down the incident after the match, insisting that there was no serious confrontation between himself and the young midfielder.

“What happened after the substitution was not a dispute. This is normal,” Ammouta said.

The Moroccan coach explained that Mahmoud was unhappy with being substituted because he wanted to remain on the pitch, describing his reaction as understandable for a young player.

“Ali Mahmoud is one of the good young players, and it is natural for him to feel anxious and nervous when he comes off,” he added.

Ammouta also linked the tension to Al Ahly’s difficult start to the game, saying the pressure was felt across the team.

“He wanted to continue playing, and everyone in the team was feeling nervous because the start was not good. Everyone bears responsibility for that,” he said.

Al Ahly reject reports of disciplinary action

A source at Al Ahly also denied reports that the Moroccan coach had been referred for formal disciplinary proceedings over his exchange with Mahmoud.

The source described the incident as a moment of frustration during the match, although it acknowledged that Ammouta’s reaction may have gone somewhat further than necessary.

Mahmoud’s conduct was also cited as part of the exchange, with the matter expected to remain an internal issue between the coach and player.

There has been no indication that either Ammouta or Mahmoud will face formal disciplinary action.

The source also urged caution over suggestions that the incident could have wider implications for Ammouta’s position, stressing that the Moroccan coach’s work at Al Ahly should be judged over a longer period rather than on one matchday incident.

Al Ahly held to draw by Al Mokawloon

The controversy came on a frustrating night for Ammouta and Al Ahly, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Islam Gaber put Al Mokawloon ahead from the penalty spot before Zizo equalised for Al Ahly with a penalty of his own.

The result left Al Ahly third in the table on 10 points, while Al Mokawloon moved to 13th with four points.

The draw extended an evening of frustration, but the club’s denial means the focus remains on his work with the Egyptian giants rather than any formal disciplinary investigation.