Al Ahly reveal Omar El Saai injury details after Kitara win

Al Ahly midfielder Omar El Saai suffered a heavy knock and pain in his calf during the club’s 2-1 win over Uganda’s Kitara in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The injury was confirmed by Al Ahly head of medical affairs Ahmed Gaballah, who said El Saai would follow a recovery programme before undergoing another assessment after the squad returns to Cairo.

“Omar El Saai suffered a strong contusion and pain in the calf muscle during the match against Uganda’s Kitara,” Gaballah said in a statement published on Al Ahly’s official website.

“El Saai will undergo a recovery programme until he is examined again after the team returns to Cairo.”

El Saai scored one of Al Ahly’s two goals as the Egyptian side came from behind to secure victory in the opening leg of the second preliminary round of the African Confederation Cup.

Kitara took the lead in the 30th minute through Wahab Jadavii, who finished from inside the penalty area after receiving a cross from the left.

Al Ahly responded after the interval, with El Saai and Zizo scoring to complete the comeback and give their side the advantage ahead of the return fixture.

The goal was El Saai’s first for Al Ahly in all competitions since joining the club. He struck in the 67th minute with a shot from inside the penalty area.

It was also his first goal in an Al Ahly shirt after making 16 appearances for the club since arriving from Ismaily.

El Saai spent last season on loan from Al Ahly at Al Masry before returning to the Cairo club at the beginning of the current campaign.

The 2-1 result leaves Al Ahly with a one-goal advantage from the first leg, although the club will now await further medical checks to determine El Saai’s condition before the team’s next commitments.