Al Ahly cancel players’ rest day after late draw with Al Qanah

Al Ahly head coach Hussein Ammouta has cancelled the players’ scheduled day off on Thursday after his side were held to a 3-3 draw by Al Qanah in the Egyptian Premier League.

Defender Ashraf Dari rescued Ammouta from defeat by scoring an equaliser for his fellow Moroccan in the final seconds of the match at Cairo Stadium.

FilGoal.com understands there is currently no intention within Al Ahly to dismiss Ammouta or consider his departure. The Moroccan is expected to continue in his role as normal.

Ammouta and football director Wail Gomaa are set to meet the players to discuss the reasons behind the team’s recent drop in performance. One proposal under consideration is to leave several senior players out of the starting line-up because of their declining form.

There may also be a meeting between Ammouta and the club’s board in the coming period to explain the reasons for the inconsistency shown by the team so far this season.

Al Ahly took the lead in the 18th minute through Omar El-Saei, but Mahmoud Hany “Shalata” equalised for Al Qanah 14 minutes later.

Ashraf Bencharki restored Al Ahly’s advantage before half-time, but Al Qanah levelled again when Hazem Abu Sena scored in the 54th minute.

The home side then moved in front in the 80th minute after Yassin Marei scored an own goal. Al Ahly avoided defeat when Dari headed home in the fourth minute of added time to secure a point for each team.

The result leaves Al Ahly second in the table with 17 points, four behind leaders Pyramids and one ahead of Zamalek.

Al Qanah are 11th on eight points after drawing five of their past six matches.

Al Ahly’s next league fixture is against Modern on Thursday, 29 October. Al Qanah will host Eastern Company on Friday, 30 October.