Al Ahly shortlist three Portuguese coaches in technical team shake-up

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have shortlisted three coaches to take over the club amid the imminent departure of Jesse Thorup following a disappointing run of results and unmet expectations in recent competitions.

The potential exit marks the beginning of a crucial phase for the Egyptian giants, who are now actively reassessing their managerial direction with a clear focus on appointing a high-profile coach capable of handling both continental pressure and intense domestic demands.

Within the club hierarchy, discussions are intensifying around the need for a manager with strong international experience and a proven track record in African competition—an area that has become central to Al Ahly’s ambitions of maintaining dominance both locally and across the continent.

The Portuguese coaching school has quickly emerged as a leading preference among influential decision-makers. Figures such as Sayed Abdel Hafiz and businessman Yassin Mansour are reportedly leaning toward this profile, inspired by past successes of Portuguese managers at the club, most notably Manuel José, whose legacy remains deeply respected within the Red Castle.

Miguel Cardoso leads the African-tested options

One of the strongest candidates under consideration is Miguel Cardoso, currently associated with Mamelodi Sundowns. Cardoso has earned recognition for his consistent performances in African competitions, particularly his ability to guide teams deep into continental tournaments.

His experience with clubs such as Espérance and Sundowns—both of which reached the latter stages of the CAF Champions League under his leadership—has positioned him as a coach who understands the unique pressures of African football. For Al Ahly, this familiarity with continental competition is viewed as a major advantage.

José Morais brings Arab league expertise

Another prominent name on the shortlist is José Morais, currently managing Sharjah FC. Morais offers extensive experience in Arab football, having worked across several regional leagues, where he developed a strong understanding of player dynamics and competition style.

His previous success in the UAE league, combined with his ability to adapt quickly to different football cultures, makes him an attractive candidate for Al Ahly’s leadership, particularly in terms of immediate impact and squad management.

José Gomes re-emerges as a serious contender

Also firmly in contention is José Gomes, currently with Al Fateh SC. Gomes brings a diverse coaching background and a reputation for building tactically disciplined and structured teams—qualities highly valued by Al Ahly as they look to restore consistency at the top level.

His previous spell in Egyptian football, including a stint with Zamalek SC, adds an interesting dimension to his candidacy. During that period, he won the African Super Cup, further strengthening his credentials in the region and making him a familiar figure within Egyptian football circles.

A decisive appointment ahead

As the search intensifies, Al Ahly’s leadership is expected to make a decisive move in the coming weeks, with the final decision likely to shape the club’s direction for the next phase of its competitive cycle.

With expectations always high at the Cairo giants, the next managerial appointment will not only determine tactical identity but also influence the club’s pursuit of domestic dominance and continental glory.