Photo: Ahly's official website
Addressing reporters ahead of Saturday’s match, El Shenawy described Ahly’s next opponents as a strong and well-organized side.
“We played a difficult match against Young Africans after returning from international duty,” El Shenawy said, referring to the previous group encounter between the two teams.
“At Ahly, we think about winning every match. We have a very important and difficult game against a strong team that has top-level players,” he added.
The Ahly captain said three points would significantly boost his side’s position in Group B. “A win would put us in a good position at the top of the group, and it is important that we return with all three points,” he said.
Reflecting on the club’s long-standing culture of success, El Shenawy highlighted the importance of continuity. “I have seen Ahly win trophies constantly since my childhood, and that is why I wanted to join the club—to understand its system and how it maintains this success,” he said.
“The team is the most important thing, and without a system at the club, we would not have achieved anything of what we have accomplished,” he added.
El Shenawy stressed that the current squad bears responsibility for preserving Ahly’s legacy. “The previous trophies are there for everyone to see, and our role is to continue this history. Generations will come after us and must carry on this journey,” he said.
He concluded by underlining the team’s immediate focus. “We are thinking about winning the tournament, but this match is the most important step at this stage on the road to the final,” he said.
Ahly lead Group B with seven points, three ahead of second-placed Young Africans.
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