Hussein Ammouta hails Al-Ahly’s deserved win over Zamalek

Hussein Ammouta has indicated that Al-Ahly deserved their 2-0 victory over rivals Zamalek on Sunday, while stressing the importance of goalkeepers Mohamed El-Shenawy and Mostafa Shobeir to the Egyptian club.

Speaking at a press conference after the Egyptian Premier League derby, Ammouta described the encounter as difficult, particularly because several players had only recently returned from international duty.

“The Al-Ahly and Zamalek derby is always difficult, the match was very difficult, in light of the players returning from the national teams only recently”. Our victory was well deserved, especially after scoring two goals.

Ammouta backs both goalkeepers

Ammouta emphasised that Al-Ahly needed both El-Shenawy and Shobeir, praising the former for his contributions to the club and the Egyptian national team.

“We need Mohamed El-Shenawy and Schubert, both of whom are very important to us”. Mostafa Shobier is Egypt’s main goalkeeper, but let’s not forget what El-Shenawy has done over long periods with Al-Ahly and the Egyptian national team.

The coach also praised Tawfiq Mohamed and Ashraf Dari for their performances, explaining that the team had worked to prepare players during the international break, including through three friendly matches. He added that preparations were particularly important because of serious injuries in defence.

Ammouta explains his substitutions

Ammouta said changes were needed in the second half and explained the decisions to introduce Moncef and Omar Al-Saei.

“In the second half, we needed some changes, and we brought in Moncef by decision and Omar Al-Saei”. Some may think that Imam Ashour did not perform at the required level, but he played a good match. Zizou also played a great match, playing on the right and left sides, and after Ashour left, he played in position 10.

In comments on Al-Ahly’s channel, Ammouta reiterated the difficulty of beating Zamalek and praised his players’ effort and commitment.

“It is not easy to win against Zamalek. There was a great effort mentally and physically, and the players were committed and showed their capabilities – especially the attackers – in creating opportunities. Winning by two goals is a result that means a lot to us. Al-Ahly is a big club, the club of the century, and it has a more than wonderful fans.

Al-Ahly seal derby victory

Mohamed Hani opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a shot before Algerian Moncef Bkarar secured the 2-0 victory in the 80th minute, firing a low effort into the far corner of Mehdi Slimane’s goal.