Ammouta praises Al Ahly’s tactical discipline after derby win over Zamalek

Hussein Ammouta said Al Ahly’s tactical discipline was “more than excellent” as they beat Zamalek 2-0 in the Egyptian Premier League.

The sixth-round match was played at Cairo Stadium, with Al Ahly securing three points in a fixture Ammouta described as an important boost for the confidence of both his players and supporters.

“Congratulations to all Al Ahly fans,” Ammouta said in comments published on the club’s page. “We prepared well for the match during the international break, and the administration, coaching staff and players were all at the required level today.

“We produced a strong performance, showed great mental strength and had a clear desire to win the match.”

Ammouta highlighted the way his side followed their game plan against a strong Zamalek team, while also crediting the players’ individual quality for making the difference in attack.

“The tactical commitment was more than excellent,” he added. “We needed the players’ technical ability to score goals and collect the important three points against Zamalek.

“Zamalek are a big club, and I would like to thank the supporters who came in large numbers today.”

The result moved Al Ahly temporarily to the top of the Egyptian Premier League table on 16 points, one point ahead of Pyramids, who play Ceramica Cleopatra tomorrow.

Ammouta said the victory had a significance beyond the points gained, particularly given the pressure surrounding the derby.

“The win gives you only three points, even though the match was difficult and came against a strong opponent,” he said. “But psychologically, it is an important victory that gives the players and the fans a great deal of confidence.”

The Al Ahly manager also said preparations had focused heavily on ensuring the players were mentally ready for the occasion.

“We prepared in the right way, especially mentally,” Ammouta said. “We know the atmosphere surrounding a match against Zamalek creates a great deal of pressure.

“That is why it was necessary to provide the players with the conditions to feel comfortable, make sure they were mentally prepared and allow them to enjoy the match.

“We need our fans in the coming games, and we want them to attend in large numbers to support us.”