Ahly players apologize after dramatic Intercontinental Cup exit

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul , Monday 16 Dec 2024

Ahly duo keeper and skipper Mohamed El Shenawy and midfielder Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi apologized to the fans after the club's recent dramatic exit from the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

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Al Ahli, Intercontinental Cup, Football. Al-Ahly official website

 

Following a goalless draw in regular and extra time, the Cairo giants missed two match-winning penalties by Mahmoud Kahraba and Omar Kamal in a 6-5 shootout defeat to Mexico's Pachuca in the semifinal on Saturday.

"I apologize to Ahly fans on behalf of myself and all the team players. Our supporters must know that we were totally shocked after losing the dream of reaching the final. Until now we can't believe the loss," the 35-year-old El Shenawy told MBC Masr TV channel late on Sunday.

"I am still shocked. We were very close, but you can't control penalties and, finally, we weren't lucky even though the players delivered their best on the pitch," he added.

The Pharaohs' veteran keeper also denied that he would depart the club after an argument with angry fans following the final whistle, explaining that he told them at the time he would leave the pitch, not the club.

"Our target is to win the African Champions League title. We especially look forward to our fans' support in winning this tournament as it qualifies us for the 2029 Club World Cup," the veteran goalie concluded.

Afsha regrets the exit
 

The team's midfielder Mohamed'  Afsha' Magdi, 28, was also eager to ask the fans for pardon, stressing that the current season is difficult due to the dense schedule.

"I know that you are all upset and you have the right to be. Ahly was denied an opportunity to attain a well-deserved position," Afsha said via his Instagram account on Sunday.

"I am very sorry. I hoped to win the game, but it wasn't our day. We were close to winning in the game itself, but finally, penalties are a game of luck, and this is football."

Afsha finally called on fans to continue to support the team, promising to please them in the future.

"This season is very difficult as we will play in the Champions League after two days and then return to the pressure of the domestic league. Your usual support is a must or the season will be difficult for us," the former Enppi and Pyramids FC player concluded.  

In their nine previous appearances in the Club World Cup (now revamped as the Intercontinental Cup), Ahly have secured four bronze medals but never advanced beyond the semifinals.

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