Ahly coach Fathy Mabrouk (Photo: Al-Ahram)
After the 1-1 draw with Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday, Ahly coach Fathi Mabrouk blamed the players' performance.
Islam Roshdi opened the scoring for Ahly midway through the first half, but Gouna forward Islam Mohareb pounced on a defensive error to restore parity four minutes past the hour mark.
"Ahly players were hurry to win the game that affected them and caused the draw," Mabrouk was quoted as saying after the game.
The Red Devils are scheduled to face Tunisian giants Esperance in the first game of the African Confederation Cup group stage next week.
"I decided to rest players during the Gouna game for the clash against Esperance so I made quick changes in the squad."
Ahly's game with Gouna witnessed the appearance of striker Amr Gamal in the second half, making his first appearance since rupturing a cruciate knee ligament last October, and in-form playmaker Ramadan Sobhi, 17, was also introduced as coach Fathi Mabrouk sought to inject zeal upfront.
"I also prepared the recently recovered players from injuries to make them ready for the African game.
"Players made more mistakes during the draw with Gouna, losing the ball, and that affected them," the Ahly coach concluded.
Ahly are second in the Egyptian Premier League table with 65 points, nine behind rivals and leaders Zamalek.
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