Al Ahly Aims to Salvage Season with CAF Confederation Cup Playoff Against DHJ
Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly will host Moroccan club Difaâ Hassani d’El Jadida (DHJ) on April 20, in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup playoff. After a disappointing exit from the African Champions League, the Cairo-based club is now looking to salvage their continental campaign by reaching the group stages of the prestigious competition.
Al Ahly has had a challenging season, posting its worst performance in over a decade. The club has struggled domestically, with four league defeats and an early elimination from the African Champions League. However, in recent weeks, the team has shown signs of recovery, climbing to 2nd place in the Egyptian Premier League standings. Despite their recent resurgence, the team continues to face internal challenges.
Mohamad Youssef, Al Ahly’s head coach, acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed optimism about the future. “Yes, we have a lot of problems, the results are not good and some players are not at the top level. The team is in a transitional phase between the old generation, the vast majority of whose figures have left, and a new one taking over,” Youssef explained in an interview with hebdo.ahram.org.eg. “We are stumbling, it’s normal, but I think we are on the right track.”
As Al Ahly prepares for their crucial match against DHJ, Youssef emphasized the importance of securing a positive result in the first leg to make the return fixture in Morocco more manageable. “We will make every effort during this match to achieve a good result, in order to facilitate our mission in the return match, which will take place on April 26 in Morocco,” he said.
The recent victories in the Egyptian Premier League have lifted the team’s spirits, with players regaining confidence and morale ahead of the continental clash. “Our victories in the national championship have given the players confidence and improved their morale before the African meeting. This will be a great asset for us,” Youssef added.
Al Ahly’s showdown with DHJ is set to be a critical test of the team’s resilience and their ability to bounce back from a difficult season. As they aim to make a deep run in the CAF Confederation Cup, the club’s fans will be hoping for a positive outcome in the upcoming match.
