Mohamed Ahmed Salama: Al Ittihad needed Abu Qir Fertilizers win to build confidence

Al Ittihad Alexandria president Mohamed Ahmed Salama says his side badly needed their first league victory of the season, after a 2-0 win over Abu Qir Fertilizers at Alexandria Stadium.

The result, secured in the third round of the league campaign, lifted Al Ittihad to four points and provided an important boost for a team that has undergone a complete rebuild.

“We collected three important points against Abu Qir Fertilizers, and we were in desperate need of this victory in order to gain confidence,” Salama told FilGoal.com.

Hossam Hassan opened the scoring for Al Ittihad in the 68th minute. Isaac Saviour then confirmed the victory by scoring the second goal in the sixth minute of added time.

Hassan was named man of the match. The goal also took his career league tally to 75.

Salama acknowledged that the team had yet to reach the level expected of them but said there was plenty of time for improvement as the season progressed.

“The team has not yet reached the required level, but we are still at the beginning of our journey. As the matches continue, the team will appear differently,” he added.

The president also highlighted the importance of results in strengthening the relationship between the players and supporters.

“Achieving good results will make the fans rally around the team in large numbers, because they are the most important and strongest element in the game,” he said.

Al Ittihad began the season with a goalless draw against Zamalek before losing 3-1 to Ceramica Cleopatra in the second round. Their victory over Abu Qir Fertilizers was their first of the league campaign.

Salama said the win represented the opening stage of a new project at the club, following the formation of an entirely new squad.

“This victory is the team’s first step towards making the new experience a success, after we built a completely new squad made up of players who are hungry for football. We hope the success continues,” he concluded.

Al Ittihad now have four points and sit ninth in the table, level with Modern Sport and ZED. Abu Qir Fertilizers remain on three points in 13th place.