Al Ahly held by Al Qanah as Hussein Ammouta criticises defensive display

Al Ahly manager Hussein Ammouta said he was surprised by some of his players’ performances after his side were held to a 3-3 draw by Al Qanah in the Egyptian Premier League.

Achraf Dari rescued a point for the Cairo-based club with a 94th-minute header, denying Ammouta’s team victory at Cairo Stadium in their seventh league match of the season.

Omar El Saai put Al Ahly ahead in the 18th minute, but Mahmoud Hany “Shalata” equalised for Al Qanah 14 minutes later. Achraf Bencharki restored Al Ahly’s lead before half-time.

Al Qanah levelled again through Hazem Abu Sena in the 54th minute before Yassin Marei put them in front in the 80th minute with an own goal. Dari’s late header ensured the points were shared.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Ammouta said: “Mistakes happen in football, and our ambition was greater today because we wanted to take all three points. However, I was surprised by some of the mistakes, and we were punished for them, particularly the defensive errors and the players’ lack of concentration.”

He admitted that several players had struggled but said he had been reluctant to make early changes.

“We suffered because of the level of some players today, and that can happen,” Ammouta said. “As a coach, it was difficult to replace a player early or at half-time, so I gave them more time.”

“It is difficult to make rapid changes when all the players being criticised today have produced good performances in other matches.”

Ammouta said Al Ahly had failed to meet the required standard and lacked the determination needed during the game.

“We did not achieve what was required and did not handle the match well. We also did not show the necessary desire,” he said.

He also rejected the suggestion that he had a particular issue with Mohamed Hany or any other player.

“There is no specific problem with Mohamed Hany or any player. Speaking to any player during a match is normal,” Ammouta added.

The manager said Al Ahly must improve defensively, while defending the team’s recent performances against Kitara of Uganda and Zamalek.

“The team performed well against Kitara despite the long journey, and we were also good in the match against Zamalek,” he said. “I thank the supporters for their patience. We played a strong match against Zamalek, and it would be wrong to play down the victory we achieved against them.”

“If we had been mentally present today, we would have beaten Al Qanah. I do not believe Al Ahly will end this season empty-handed. The coaching staff and I accept responsibility, while the players must also take responsibility for their mistakes. We will reach the required level in the coming period.”

The draw leaves Al Ahly second 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 match is against Modern on Thursday, 29 October, while Al Qanah host El Sharqia in ENPPI on Friday, 30 October.