Al Qanah coach sees Al Ahly draw as proof his side can challenge for top six

Al Qanah coach Abdel Nasser Mohamed believes his side can finish in the top six of the Egyptian Premier League after their spirited 3-3 draw with Al Ahly.

Al Qanah twice came from behind before taking a 3-2 lead, only for Ashraf Dari to equalise for Al Ahly with a 94th-minute header at Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed said he was disappointed not to win but encouraged by the reaction of his players after the match.

“I feel sad that we did not win against Al Ahly, and so do all the players,” he told Al Nahar TV. “I told them I was happy that everyone was upset about not winning because it reflects their desire to achieve better results.

“I am pleased with the performance and the fighting spirit the players showed today.”

Mohamed said he had challenged his squad before the match to give everything, regardless of the result.

“I told the players during the camp to play bravely and leave the pitch satisfied with their performance,” he added. “There is no problem with losing if you give everything and leave the field proud of yourselves.”

Al Ahly took the lead through Omar El Saai in the 18th minute, but Mahmoud Hany “Shalata” levelled for Al Qanah in the 32nd minute. Achraf Bencharki restored Al Ahly’s advantage before half-time.

Hazem Abu Sena equalised in the 54th minute, before Al Qanah went ahead when Yassin Marei scored an own goal in the 80th minute. Ashraf Dari’s late header ensured the points were shared.

“We produced a good performance and achieved a positive result,” said Mohamed. “It could have been even better, but we were facing one of Africa’s biggest clubs, Al Ahly, so I thank God for the performance and the result.”

The Al Qanah coach said he urged his players not to panic after Al Ahly scored.

“After Al Ahly’s goal, I told them to keep playing without fear,” he said. “I told them there was no need to be nervous and to play our own way. Al Ahly’s players, especially in defence, make mistakes when they are put under pressure, and we had to take advantage of that.”

Mohamed said his team had relied on attacking transitions since the start of the season and believed Shalata deserved to be named player of the match. He also praised Mohamed Sadeq, describing him as “the unsung soldier on the pitch”.

His determination to win increased after the interval, prompting him to introduce Mohamed Hamdy Zaki and switch to a formation with two strikers.

“I always tell the players they are capable of finishing in one of the top six positions,” he said. “Al Ahly’s level today made me believe we could achieve an even better result. At half-time, I told them we could equalise, score another goal and even win.”

Mohamed also said Al Qanah had limited the threat of Achraf Bencharki and closed down the spaces around him, while Ahmed Zizo and some of Al Ahly’s players were below their best defensively and offensively.

The draw left Al Ahly second on 17 points, four behind leaders Pyramids and one ahead of Zamalek. Al Qanah are 11th on eight points after drawing five of their last six matches.