Al Ahly’s trip to South Africa encountered a problem on Thursday night after the squad was grounded at Cairo Airport for hours due to missing landing permits for their private jet in Johannesburg.
The team, preparing to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in Saturday’s CAF Champions League semi-final first leg in Pretoria, arrived at the airport by 7pm expecting a smooth departure. Instead, they were left waiting with no clearance for their intended flight.
A club insider told Kooora that quick changes had to be made. “Al Ahly’s administrative staff is currently booking tickets on a regular flight that will leave Cairo at 11pm, and the rest of the mission on another flight after midnight,” the insider said.
This problem disrupted Al Ahly’s travel plans just days before one of their biggest matches of the season.
The Egyptian giants are aiming for a record-extending CAF Champions League title, but this unexpected hiccup could test their preparation and focus ahead of the Pretoria clash.
