Al Ahly double player fines after dramatic draw with Canal

Al Ahly have doubled their financial penalties for players following their 3-3 draw with Canal in the Egyptian Premier League.

The match took place at Cairo Stadium in the seventh round of the competition, with Al Ahly conceding an equaliser in the final seconds to settle a six-goal contest.

The club said on its official website that football director Wael Gomaa had decided to impose doubled financial sanctions on the squad after Wednesday’s result.

Gomaa held an extended meeting with the players on Thursday morning in the presence of head coach Hussein Ammouta. The discussion focused on the performances of several players who, for unexplained reasons, had appeared below their expected technical and physical levels.

The football director told the squad that there could be no lack of commitment in the coming period and that every player needed to assess what they were contributing. He also stressed that Al Ahly would not depend on any individual player.

FilGoal.com reported further details of the meeting, which took place after the team trained at 11:00 on Thursday. Gomaa held what was described as a strong session with the players, attended by the coaching staff, and criticised a number of them.

The report said Muhammad Hany, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Zizo, Marwan Attia and Yassin Marei were singled out. It also said the players had been informed that their financial dues would be suspended indefinitely.

Al Ahly had taken the lead in the 18th minute through Omar El Saai, but Canal levelled when Mahmoud Hany “Shalata” scored in the 32nd minute. Ashraf Bencharki then restored Al Ahly’s advantage before half-time.

Hazem Abu Sena equalised for Canal in the 54th minute before Yassin Marei put the home side ahead in the 80th minute with an own goal.

Al Ahly avoided defeat when defender Achraf Dari headed in an equaliser in the 94th minute, rescuing a point for his fellow Moroccan, Ammouta.

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

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

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