Coach Juan Carlos Garrido (Photo: Reuters)
Ahly's Spanish coach Juan Carlos Garrido has expressed his regret for the 1-0 loss to Zambia's Nkana in the 5th matchday of the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
Egypt's Ahly failed to ensure their progress to the Confederation Cup semis with one match to spare in Group B after a lackluster display saw them lose 1-0 away to Zambia's Nkana.
"I am disappointed for the loss to Nkana because we played for win," Garrido was quoted as saying on the club's official website after the game.
"We are working now to avoid the mistakes we made during the game," he added.
The Red Devils, who are seeking to become the first Egyptian side to win Africa's secondary club competition, were undone by a dubious second-half penalty from Billy Mwanza to suffer their first group-stage defeat.
"The reason for the players' dip in form during the second half was the bad condition of the pitch," the Ahly tactician said.
Cairo giants Ahly are scheduled to face Tunisia's Etoile Sahel on 23 August to secure a place in the tournament semifinals.
"We will work hard during the coming days ahead of the Etoile Sahel game."
Ahly are still on top of the group with 8 points, one ahead of Nkana and two clear of Ivory Coast's Sewe Sport who defeated Tunisia's Etoile Sahel also on Saturday.
"Etoile Sahel game is important for the team as we have to win it to qualify for the semifinals," the Ahly coach concluded.
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