Hussein Ammouta praises Ahly newcomers after Cairo derby win over Zamalek

Ahly coach Hussein Ammouta has praised the performances of Achraf Dari and Tawfiq Mohamed after the pair helped the Egyptian champions secure a 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Sunday.

The Moroccan coach handed both players their first league starts of the season, and they responded with impressive displays as Ahly claimed bragging rights at Cairo International Stadium.

Defender Dari returned to Ahly last summer after spending six months on loan at Swedish club Kalmar FF, while full-back Mohamed joined the Red Devils from Suez-Petrojet.

Ammouta was pleased with the contribution of his new starters, although he acknowledged the challenges that come with one of Egyptian football’s biggest fixtures.

“Derbies are always difficult,” Ammouta told reporters after the match.

“The technical staff introduced several players who performed well, especially Achraf Dari and Tawfiq Mohamed,” he added.

The Ahly boss also insisted that his side deserved the victory, pointing to their approach to the game and the quality available across the squad.

“We played a strong game and deserved to win,” he said. “The team have many good players in all positions.”

The result strengthened Ahly’s position in the Egyptian Premier League title race, lifting them above Pyramids FC into first place with 16 points.

Ahly hold a one-point advantage over Pyramids, who have the opportunity to reclaim top spot when they host Ceramica Cleopatra on Monday.

For Ammouta, the derby victory provides further encouragement as he continues to assess his squad, with the performances of Dari and Mohamed offering a timely boost ahead of the challenges to come.