CAF Champions League: Al Ahly Face Key Injury Blow Ahead of Crucial Clash with Moghreb Tetouan
Al Ahly’s hopes of overturning a first-leg deficit in their CAF Champions League round of 16 tie have suffered a setback, with defender Hussein El Sayed likely to miss Saturday’s decisive second leg against Morocco’s Moghreb Tetouan (MAT).
The 24-year-old left-back was injured during Al Ahly’s recent domestic fixture against Arab Contractors and was forced off before halftime. According to Mountakhab.net, El Sayed’s condition makes him a serious doubt for the high-stakes encounter in Cairo, where the record African champions will aim to overturn a 1-0 loss from the first leg in Tetouan.
The absence of El Sayed would be a blow for head coach Juan Carlos Garrido, who has relied on the defender’s pace and defensive solidity in recent fixtures. His potential absence adds to the tactical puzzle facing the Spanish manager as Al Ahly look to navigate their way back into the CAF Champions League group stage.
Al Ahly’s performance in the first leg was far from their usual continental standard. The Egyptian giants, who boast a record eight CAF Champions League titles, struggled to break down a well-organised Moroccan side and conceded a late goal that gives MAT the advantage heading into the return leg.
Despite the deficit, the Red Devils remain confident of turning the tie around at home. The Cairo International Stadium is expected to be a cauldron of support, with fans rallying behind their team in what has become a must-win Maghreb derby.
Garrido, a former manager of Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, is no stranger to North African rivalries and will be expected to make bold tactical decisions to overcome the deficit. Whether that will include a reshuffle at the back to cope with El Sayed’s absence remains to be seen.
As tension builds ahead of Saturday’s showdown, Al Ahly know that only a focused and clinical performance will be enough to keep their continental dreams alive. For Moghreb Tetouan, a draw or even a narrow loss with an away goal could be enough to write a new chapter in their CAF Champions League history.
