Ahly manager Mohamed Youssef expressed his displeasure concerning Ahly’s 3-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates of South Africa on Sunday, added the team played under very difficult circumstances.
The defending champions conceded their heaviest home defeat in the African Champions League after slumping to a stunning 3-0 loss to South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna.
“We suffered a heavy defeat but we played the game under very difficult circumstances,” Youssef told Ahram Sports after Sunday’s game. “The players played while fasting in a very heat atmosphere that’s why they appeared out of form.”
Ahly players were forced to play while fasting, as it is the Muslim month of Ramadan, on Sunday afternoon in Gouna stadium due to the lack of floodlights after the Egyptian security turned down Ahly’s request to have their Champions’ League group match in Cairo or Alexandria.
Despite Sunday’s defeat, Ahly’s coach stressed that his side still has a chance to qualify for the competition’s semis. He vowed to not repeat the same mistakes made against the Orlando Pirates ahead of their match against the AC Leopards, set to be played on 17 August in Congo.
Ahly lie now at the bottom of group A with only one point, three points behind leading South African rivals Orlando Pirates.
“We have learned a lot of lessons from Sunday’s defeat, and I will do my best to avoid all mistakes against the Leopards.”
“We still have a chance in the competition and we will fight to keep our chances alive.”
Source : Ahram
