Al Ahly coach Hussein Ammouta says side should have beaten Al Mokawloon Al Arab by more

Al Ahly manager Hussein Ammouta believes his team deserved to win by more than one goal against Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the Egypt Capital Cup, also known as the League Cup.

Al Ahly secured a late victory in the second round of the group stage at Cairo International Stadium, with Achraf Bencharki scoring in the 93rd minute. The forward headed in a cross from Mohamed Hany to seal a 1-0 win.

The result moved Al Ahly to six points at the top of Group C, while Al Mokawloon Al Arab remain on three points. Al Ahly had opened their campaign with a 5-0 victory over Petro Asyut.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Ammouta said his side had controlled the game and used the occasion to give opportunities to a number of players.

“Overall, we controlled the course of the match and gave some young players and those returning from injury a chance, such as Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Abdallah and Mahmoud Salah,” he said.

“We produced a good performance in the match. My only comment is that we should have scored more than one goal.”

Ammouta was also asked about Imam Ashour, whom he described as one of the leading players in both Egypt and Africa. However, he said the midfielder had not been physically ready during the recent period.

“No one in Egypt or Africa disagrees that Imam Ashour is one of the best players,” Ammouta said. “Imam was not physically ready in the recent period.”

The manager said Al Ahly’s objectives in the competition were twofold: to improve the fitness and readiness of their squad while also competing to win the trophy.

“We are working to prepare the players during the Egypt Capital Cup matches, while also competing to win the title,” he added. “Our aim is to compete for every trophy.”

Ammouta also explained how his coaching staff prepare for each opponent, saying the team’s tactical approach can vary from one match to another.

“The technical staff study the opponents’ matches and explain the opposition to the players through 15 minutes of video,” he said. “Our approach changes according to the opponent.”

He ended by stressing the importance of discipline, both in training and away from football, while acknowledging the club’s responsibility to support its players.

“A player must commit to his training and his personal life. At Al Ahly, we try to support the players, but discipline is the foundation,” Ammouta said.

“The player must perform well before we can classify him as a star and give him an important role in the team.”

Group C also includes Petro Asyut, Al Mokawloon Al Arab, Eastern Company, ENPPI and El Gouna.