Al Ahly fans put more pressure on us than Zamalek supporters, says Bank President

Al Ahly supporters create greater pressure during matches against their team than Zamalek fans, according to Al Ahly Bank president Ashraf Nassar, who has also backed Pyramids FC as the strongest side in Egyptian football based on their current results.

Nassar made the comments during an appearance on On Sport’s Stadium On programme, where he discussed the atmosphere surrounding matches involving his club and the challenges faced by coaches in Egyptian competitions.

Speaking about the influence of supporters, he said Al Ahly fans often create a more demanding environment for Al Ahly Bank players than their rivals from Zamalek.

“Al-Ahly fans create more pressure than Zamalek fans in Al-Ahly Bank matches, based on my presence in the stands”

His remarks offer an insight into the atmosphere surrounding matches involving Al Ahly Bank, particularly when they come up against Egypt’s two most widely supported clubs.

Nassar discusses Ammouta’s touchline reactions

Nassar was also asked about Hussein Ammouta’s visible tension during matches in the Egyptian Capital Cup.

The Al Ahly Bank president suggested that the coach’s reactions were connected to his strong desire to win and his determination to avoid dropping points in any fixture.

He explained that Ammouta approaches every match with the intention of securing victory, a mindset that can be reflected in his behaviour during games.

The comments came as Nassar discussed the demands placed on coaches competing in Egyptian football, where expectations remain high across domestic competitions.

Al Ahly and Pyramids tipped to share the points

Nassar also gave his prediction for the much-anticipated meeting between Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, expecting the two sides to play out a draw.

Although he believes Pyramids are currently the best team in Egypt in terms of results, he warned that matches involving Al Ahly can be difficult to predict.

“I think the Al-Ahly and Pyramids match will end in a draw. Pyramids is the best team in Egypt in terms of results, and the strongest attack and defense. All the numbers are in its favor. But also, Al-Ahly and Pyramids matches are like Al-Ahly and Zamalek matches, they are not subject to the situation or the teams, and when Al-Ahly is under a lot of pressure in these matches, it might do something.”

His assessment was based on Pyramids’ performances and their strength in both attack and defence.

He believes the statistics currently favour the club, making them a serious challenge for any opponent.

However, Nassar was careful not to dismiss Al Ahly’s chances, pointing to the unpredictable nature of major Egyptian football encounters.

He compared the Al Ahly-Pyramids fixture to the traditional rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek, suggesting that form and previous results do not always determine the outcome of such matches.

Pyramids backed to challenge for the league title

Nassar went further by backing Pyramids to compete for the Egyptian league championship this season.

He believes the club have the quality to win the title and noted that they are also working towards success in other competitions.

He added: “Pyramids can win the league title this season and they are working on all the championships”

The Al Ahly Bank president’s comments underline his confidence in Pyramids’ current strength, while also recognising the threat Al Ahly can pose when facing the country’s leading teams.

With the two clubs preparing to meet, Nassar expects a closely contested encounter despite his view that Pyramids currently hold the advantage in terms of overall results.