Martin Jol, coach of Egypt's Al Ahly (Reuters)
Ahly coach Martin Jol changed his team's tactics due to the absence of midfielder Ramadan Sobhi and striker Malik Evouna Tuesday in a 2-1 win against Haras El-Hodoud in Egypt Cup round of 16 match play.
"Because of the absence of leaving Sobhi and Evouna and other players, I tended to change tactics using two strikers and less pressure on the wings. We have substitutes but they need time to be fully ready," the 60-year-old Dutch coach explained to reporters.
The Egyptian Premier League champions Ahly defeated their military-owned opponent 2-1 to go through to the quarterfinals of the Egypt Cup, a tournament the Cairo-based squad has not won since 2007.
Jol also spoke of Saleh Gomaa saying: "He is a very good player and I am using him as a substitute for [injured] Abdullah El-Said in attacking midfield, but I don't really see him as the best playmaker despite his speed."
Veteran striker Emad Meteb, who was handed a rare starting spot on the squad Tuesday, converted a penalty at the half-hour mark to put his side ahead before midfielder Amr El-Sulaya made it 2-0 in the 66th minute.
In the same round, Zamalek bested Ittihad El-Shorta, winning 2-1. The Red Devils next face Smouha, who finished third in the league, while Zamalek will take on Ittihad of Alexandria in the cup quarterfinal.
Ahly's young star Sobhi, 19, is currently heading to Stoke City to complete his move to the English Premier League side in a deal that could be one of the biggest ever in Egypt.
Ahly consider the Cup game 'the best preparation for the CAF Champions League upcoming game,' as they are set to face Wydad Casablanca of Morocco with the home and away games scheduled for 16 and 27 July.
The record holders of eight Champions League trophies Ahly have lost their first two group stage games against Zesco United of Zambia (3-2 away) and Ivory Coast's Asec Mimosa (2-1 at home).
Zamalek will clash with Africa's Sundown on Sunday at home after, ten days before they meet away. Zamalek won their group B opener against Nigeria's Enyimba 1-0.
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