Hussein Ammouta explains Emam Ashour’s absence after Al Ahly’s late win over Smouha

Al Ahly head coach Hussein Ammouta says Imam Ashour could return before the international break after explaining why the midfielder has yet to feature this season.

Ashour has missed Al Ahly’s opening four matches of the campaign as he continues his recovery from the injury he suffered during the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ammouta provided the update after Al Ahly secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Smouha in the Egyptian Premier League, with Yasser Ibrahim scoring an 87th-minute winner to maintain the club’s strong start to the season.

“I expected a difficult match against Smouha, and unfortunately the goal came late despite our complete control of the game,” Ammouta told reporters.

The Moroccan coach said his side had failed to make the most of numerous chances before their late breakthrough, but praised the players’ determination in the closing stages.

“The three points were the most important thing,” he said.

Ammouta believed Al Ahly’s display merited the victory, claiming his team enjoyed more than 70% possession and created between 13 and 14 chances, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was rarely troubled.

“We need greater attacking efficiency and it is important to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way,” he added.

He also backed Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, saying the forward was working hard for the team and stressing that scoring goals was a collective responsibility.

Ammouta said Ashour still needed more time in full training to regain match fitness after his lengthy spell out.

“He needs more participation in group training to reach the appropriate physical rhythm after a long period of absence,” he said, adding that the midfielder could return before the international break.

Ashour has been absent from Al Ahly’s matches against Al Sharqia, ENPPI, ZED and Smouha so far this season.