Ahly head coach Jess Thorup. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly.
Speaking after the match, Thorup said Ahly deserved more from the game but were frustrated by a “decisive refereeing mistake.”
“It’s a difficult feeling after dropping two points against Ceramica,” Thorup told reporters. “We had a clear penalty that the referee did not award, as the ball clearly struck an opponent’s hand. The cross came from a long distance, and there was no justification for the mistake.”
The Danish coach also criticized his players’ reaction after the final whistle, which led to several bookings.
“What happened in the match is not a reason for us to lose focus and control and end up receiving so many yellow and red cards after the game,” he said, while acknowledging the team’s frustration.
Thorup pointed to wastefulness in front of the goal as another reason for the result.
“I understand the players’ frustration. Ceramica needed just one chance to score, while we needed several chances to equalise,” the 56-year-old coach added.
The Ahly coach also expressed frustration over the condition of the pitch at Arab Contractors Stadium, questioning whether it was suitable at a key stage of the season.
“I don’t understand how we are playing in a stadium like this while we are in a crucial stage of competing for the title,” he said. “We cannot play good football on pitches of such poor quality.”
Responding to criticism directed at the technical staff, Thorup said results had been affected by disruption to the league schedule.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We started well and won the Super Cup, but things changed after the six-week league stoppage due to the Africa Cup of Nations,” he noted.
Despite the setback, Thorup insisted his side remains in the title race.
“Dropping two points makes things more difficult for us, but we are still striving to win and secure the title,” he said.
Addressing squad selection, Thorup declined to discuss internal matters regarding Camoes, stressing that decisions are made based on match requirements.
“My discussions with the management will remain behind closed doors,” he said. “Camoes’s absence is because I choose what is best for each match.”
He also defended his decision to field Aliou Dieng despite speculation over his future.
“You may know that he will leave, but I do not. I always choose what is best for each match. Yes, Dieng lost the ball in the goal situation, but that is not a reason to exclude him,” Thorup said, adding that he opted to start Hussein El Shahat for his attacking ability.
Ahly now sit third in the table with 41 points, five behind leaders Zamalek and two adrift of second-placed Pyramids FC.
They will next face Smouha on Saturday, 11 April, in the second round of the league’s title-deciding phase.
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