Preview: Euphoric Ahly turn attention to domestic league after African triumph

Ahram Online , Wednesday 21 Jul 2021

They are seeking another success in the Egyptian league, looking to repeat last season's historic achievement when they won the treble (Champions League, domestic league and Cup)

Al-Ahly
File Photo: Al-Ahly player Walter Bwalya in action during the match with Al-Mokawaloon-Al-Arab on July 8, 2021. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page

After ending their triumphant Champions League campaign, Ahly will relaunch their mission in the domestic league on Thursday, when they face NBE club in a rescheduled league game in Cairo.

Ahly won the Champions League trophy on Saturday for the second time in a row and the tenth in the club's history, after defeating the South African Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the final in Morocco.

They are seeking another success in the Egyptian league, looking to repeat last season's historic achievement when they won the treble (Champions League, domestic league and Cup).

Ahly are now second in the league table with 51 points, ten points behind leaders Zamalek, who played four matches more.

The defending champions will have the chance to overcome Zamalek if they win in their four delayed games that will start on Thursday against NBE Club.

"I asked players to put their continental achievement behind them and focus on the domestic league. We will have many tough clashes during the coming period and we have to continue our mission as we look to winning the domestic league." Ahly's coach Pitso Mosimane told reporters.

Thursday's clash will not be easy for the Red Devils with many players absent for this clash.

Ahly will have to do without the Egypt U23 players Akram Tawfik, Salah Mohsen, Ahmed Ramadan, Taher Mohamed, Nasser Maher and keeper Mohamed El-Shenawi.

Winger Hussein El-Shahat will also miss the game due to a knee injury that needs ten days of treatment.

These absences left coach Pitso Mosimane with absences on two flanks, and he has no option but to play with Junior Ajaye and Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel Moneam, the only two wingers at his disposal for this game.

Both have been out of action for a long time, as they lost their posts in the team’s starting squad after Mosimane opted for El-Shahat and Taher instead.

The critical situation of the opponent in the league table is another reason that makes Thursday's match tough.

NBE club are on the edge of the dropping zone with 25 points and they can not afford to drop any points.

In the previous game they were able to hold Ahly to a goalless draw and they hope to avoid a loss in Thursday's game.

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