Al Ahly victory against Al Mokawloon overshadowed by controversy over “10-year-old” match balls

A controversy over the match balls overshadowed the post-match discussions following the clash between Al Ahly SC and Al Mokawloon Al Arab SC in Round 21 of the Egyptian Premier League.

Al Ahly secured a 3-1 victory away from home, returning to winning ways and moving up to 40 points to sit third on the league table behind Zamalek SC and Pyramids FC on goal difference. However, the match became the centre of debate due to complaints about the condition of the balls used during the game.

From the opening minutes, Al Ahly officials raised concerns about the quality of the match balls. Walid Salah El-Din, the club’s director of football, voiced his frustration over what he described as the poor condition of the equipment.

Despite his complaints, the referee and match observer reportedly did not provide a clear response. The dissatisfaction continued throughout the first half, particularly during set pieces, as members of Al Ahly’s technical staff repeatedly questioned the quality of the balls.

At one point, Al Ahly attempted to introduce their own balls into the match, but the coaching staff of Al Mokawloon Al Arab rejected the request. The situation sparked further tension in the stands, with Al Ahly supporters expressing their anger.

Speaking after the game, Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup acknowledged his disappointment with the condition of the balls but insisted the issue would not be used as an excuse.

“I am not looking for excuses because of the poor condition of the pitch or the age of the balls used, which are more than 10 years old. The most important thing is that we achieved victory in an important match,” he said during the press conference.

Al Mokawloon Al Arab coach Sami Qumsan responded to the criticism by explaining that the balls were not supplied by his club.

“The balls do not belong to Al Mokawloon Al Arab. We obtained them at the beginning of the season from the Football Association,” he said, adding that their condition may have deteriorated over time due to frequent use, but there was no intention to disadvantage Al Ahly.

According to the Egyptian Football Association, around 2,600 official balls were distributed to clubs across the first, second and third divisions at the start of the season. The initiative was part of an effort to standardise match equipment in domestic competitions under a partnership agreement with the league’s sponsor.

However, the situation during this match highlighted concerns that some of the balls currently in use may have deteriorated after months of continuous use throughout the campaign.