File Photo: Ahly Midfielder Afsha shoots the ball against Petrojet. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
Former Ahly defender Emad El-Nahhas has been appointed interim manager following the club’s elimination from the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
El-Nahhas, who has previously managed several Egyptian Premier League sides, will lead the team until a permanent successor is named, after which he is expected to remain on staff as an assistant.
The Cairo giants are desparete for win as they sit second in the standings with 40 points, four behind leaders Pyramids FC, with six matches left in the season.
Ahly will play the game with all their guns as Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar has been declared fit to return after sustaining a minor injury in the CAF Champions League match against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Tunisian fullback Ali Maaloul has returned to the squad after missing previous games. Maaloul fell out favor with former coach Koller but the arrival of El-Nahass gives him a new breath.
However, Moroccan left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah and Karim El Debes remain sidelined.
Koller’s exit
Ahly’s hopes of claiming an unprecedented third consecutive champions league title were dashed on Friday after a 1-1 home draw with Mamelodi Sundowns in the Champions League semi-final second leg at Cairo International Stadium, exiting on away goal rule.
The club announced Koller’s departure shortly after the result, ending a successful spell for the 64-year-old Swiss coach, who was appointed in September 2022.
During his tenure, Koller led Ahly to 11 trophies, including two Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups, four Egyptian Super Cups, two CAF Champions League titles, and a bronze medal at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
Ahly remain in contention for the domestic title and are also preparing for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on 15 June.
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