Blow for Al Ahly as Aliou Dieng and Ahmed Sayed Zizo pick up injuries in Esperance defeat

Al Ahly have been dealt a potential injury setback ahead of the decisive second leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final after midfielders Aliou Dieng and Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ sustained injuries during the team’s clash against Esperance Tunis.

The Egyptian giants suffered a 1–0 defeat in the first leg played in Tunisia, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return match next week in Cairo.

Speaking through the club’s official website, Al Ahly team doctor Ahmed Gaballah revealed details about the physical condition of the two players following the match.

“Aliou Dieng suffered a hand contusion during his participation in the match against Esperance, while Ahmed Zizo sustained a severe ankle contusion,” Gaballah explained.

The club’s medical staff will carry out further evaluations once the squad returns to Egypt.

“The duo will undergo a comprehensive medical examination in Cairo to assess their condition before they return to training,” he added.

The injuries come at a delicate time for Al Ahly, who must now prepare for a crucial second leg scheduled for next Saturday at Cairo Stadium. The match will be played behind closed doors, following a disciplinary sanction imposed on the Egyptian club.

Esperance’s narrow victory in the first leg was historically significant. The Tunisian side recorded their first win over Al Ahly in eight years, with their previous victory coming in the second leg of the 2018 CAF Champions League final, when Esperance triumphed 3–0.

In addition, the goal scored by Esperance ended a lengthy drought against the Egyptian giants. The Tunisian club had failed to score in six consecutive matches against Al Ahly since the 2018 final.

Despite the setback, the Cairo-based side still has a clear path to qualification. Al Ahly must win by at least two goals in the return leg to advance directly to the semi-finals.

If the Red Devils manage a 1–0 victory, the match will proceed to extra time, with the possibility of penalties if the deadlock remains unbroken.

With injuries to key players and the pressure of overturning a deficit, Al Ahly face a challenging task. However, the record African champions will be hoping that their experience in continental competitions and the backing of their supporters—despite the empty stands—will help them produce a comeback and keep their Champions League ambitions alive.