Ahly's defensive woes deepen with Dari injury ahead of Côte d'Ivoire trip

Ahmed Seif , Thursday 9 Jan 2025

Moroccan defender Achraf Dari will miss Ahly's trip to Côte d'Ivoire after scans confirmed a hamstring strain, further exacerbating the club's mounting defensive injury concerns.

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File Photo: Ahly defender Achraf Dari

 

Dari sustained the injury during Ahly's 2-0 victory over Smouha in a postponed Egyptian Premier League match last week. He was substituted at halftime after reporting discomfort.

"Scans have revealed that Achraf Dari has suffered a hamstring strain," Ahmed Gaballah, Ahly's team doctor, said on the club's official website.

"The player has already commenced physiotherapy and rehabilitation to expedite his return to group training," Gaballah added.

This latest setback adds to Ahly's defensive woes, as the team is already grappling with several key absences.

Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul, who ruptured his Achilles tendon during last season's CAF Champions League final against Esperance, has been sidelined for the first half of the season.

Meanwhile, right-back Mohamed Hany has resumed training after sustaining an injury during the African Super Cup clash against Zamalek in late September. Although Hany travelled with the squad to Côte d'Ivoire, his participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain.

Omar Kamal was also ruled out of the match against Stade d'Abidjan in the CAF Champions League. Kamal, who has been dealing with persistent knee pain, is in the final stages of his rehabilitation programme. The coaching staff remains cautious, unwilling to risk an early return that could aggravate his condition.

Ahly's defensive crisis puts additional pressure on the team as they prepare for the CAF Champions League fixture. With Dari, Maaloul, and Kamal unavailable and Hany's fitness uncertain, the team faces significant challenges as they strive for a victory in Côte d'Ivoire.

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