Al Ahly rewards players after derby triumph over Zamalek

Al Ahly’s 2-1 comeback victory against Zamalek at Cairo Stadium has sparked fresh optimism inside the club.

After the derby win in the ninth round of the Egyptian Premier League, football director Walid Salah El-Din moved swiftly to reconcile with the squad by restoring their unpaid dues.

Walid Salah had earlier suspended the players’ salaries for August and September, along with match bonuses, due to poor results. But following three straight wins capped by the derby triumph, he informed the team that payments will resume. He also promised a performance bonus if they secure victory over Ismailia Electricity next Saturday before the international break.

The club is also revisiting contract renewals. Talks will open with winger Ahmed Abdelkader, recently back from suspension, and Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng, whose deal expires at the end of the season.

Training resumed immediately as Al Ahly prepares for Ismailia Electricity without Trezeguet, Karim Fouad, Mohamed Shukry, Ashraf Dari, and Imam Ashour. Afsha and Zizo are back to strengthen the squad.

Walid Salah praised the players, saying: “It is always a characteristic of great teams to come back after falling behind.”