Hussein Ammouta refuses to rank Al Ahly-Zamalek derby over Wydad-Raja derby

Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta has refused to rank the Cairo derby between Al-Ahly and Zamalek above the Casablanca derby between Wydad and Raja, saying both rivalries have their own appeal.

Ammouta experienced his first Egyptian derby on Sunday evening at Cairo Stadium, guiding Al-Ahly to a 2-0 victory over Zamalek in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The Moroccan coach previously led Wydad to victories over Raja in the Casablanca derby during his two spells with the club. Wydad won 1-0 in April 2017 before securing a 2-1 victory in October 2022.

Ammouta praises Casablanca derby atmosphere

Asked by Kooora at the post-match press conference which derby in Africa was the loudest and strongest, Ammouta highlighted the importance of supporters to the spectacle.

“The fans are the secret to the success of derby matches everywhere,” he said.

He praised the atmosphere created by Al-Ahly and Zamalek supporters but explained why the Casablanca derby remained special to him.

“Al-Ahly and Zamalek fans presented wonderful artistic paintings before and during today’s match. However, I think that the Casablanca derby has a special flavour. The fans are always present in large numbers, reaching 60 or 65 thousand spectators, and you can see the paintings presented by the fans.”

“I cannot prefer one derby over another,” the Moroccan coach continued with a smile.

Ammouta on the pressure of derby matches

Asked which derby had put him under greater pressure, Ammouta said pressure was an unavoidable part of such high-profile encounters.

“Pressure is always present in derby matches, any coach or player who wants to avoid pressure and cannot bear it cannot play in a high-level team or compete for titles”.

Al-Ahly move temporarily top

Al-Ahly’s victory over Zamalek took them to 16 points at the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings, temporarily moving ahead of second-placed Pyramids, who have 15 points.

Pyramids are scheduled to face Ceramica Cleopatra on Monday in the sixth round.