Ahly coach happy with performance, frustrated by result against FAR

  

  

Ahly coach Jess Thorup said on Sunday he was pleased with his side’s display against AS FAR in the Champions League group stage but frustrated that the performance did not yield victory.

A wasteful Ahly side, particularly in the first half, were held to a goalless home draw by the Moroccan side as both teams advanced to the quarter-finals.

Ahly topped the group with 10 points, one ahead of AS FAR.

“I am frustrated with the result, especially as we produced a wonderful performance,” Thorup told the post-match news conference.

“We have to build on this display and, if we maintain this level, we will achieve our goals.”

The Danish coach heaped praise on midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who impressed despite missing three clear scoring opportunities.

The Tunisia international had come under criticism for inconsistent performances since joining the club last summer.

“Today Ben Romdhane delivered his best performance with the team since my arrival,” Thorup said.

“He missed a number of chances, but overall he was very strong.”

Thorup also defended winter signing Ieltsin Camões, who has yet to make a significant impact.

The Portuguese striker came off the bench for the final 15 minutes and squandered a clear chance to seal victory with four minutes remaining.

“Camões is not yet physically ready and needs time to adapt to his teammates,” Thorup said.

“My job is to help players shine with the team, and I am sure of his importance.”

He noted that Camões had started against Ismaily, while Marwan Othman was preferred on Sunday, with neither striker finding the net.

“There is strong competition among the forwards, and that is a positive challenge for us,” he added.

Thorup also highlighted the impact of key absences, with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed sidelined by muscle injuries.

The pair have missed the last three matches, along with midfielder Emam Ashour, who was serving a two-week suspension before returning as a second-half substitute against AS FAR.

There is no timetable yet for the return of the injured players.

“I am not looking for excuses, but losing three important players at the same time is very difficult,” Thorup concluded.

Ahly will face Gouna in an Egyptian League game at Cairo stadium on Thursday.