Al Ahly Denies Reports of Ben Charki's Anger Towards Koller After Sundowns Match
Mohamed Thabet, the media spokesperson for Al Ahly's football departments, denied rumors about any anger or dispute between Moroccan international Ashraf Ben Charki and the team's manager, Marcel Koller, following the match against South Africa's Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final.
In a televised statement, Thabet confirmed that Ben Charki was in a completely normal state after the game and showed no signs of anger or frustration. He explained that the player was discussing with Mohamed Shawky, the club's football director, the chance of his disallowed goal due to offside, expressing his hope of scoring, but this conversation was limited to discussing the play and was not related to any conflict with the coach.
Some media reports had suggested that Ben Charki was upset about being substituted in the second half, but Thabet categorically denied these claims. He stressed that the reports had been misinterpreted and that the player showed no negative feelings towards the coach's decision. He further clarified that the relationship between Ben Charki and Koller is professional, and the rumors were completely baseless.
These statements came after Al Ahly's 0-0 draw with Sundowns in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final, a match that saw several opportunities but no goals. All eyes are now on the return leg in Cairo.
The return leg between Al Ahly and Sundowns is scheduled for Friday, April 25, at Cairo International Stadium. This is a crucial match for both teams, with Al Ahly needing a positive result to secure a spot in the final of the competition, as the team seeks to win their 10th African title.
Regarding Ashraf Ben Charki's participation, the player is a key figure for Al Ahly, and any rumors about conflict or tension with him could raise concerns among fans. However, everyone at Al Ahly understands the nature of the high-stakes competitions in the Champions League and the importance of focusing on the team’s collective goals.
Coach Marcel Koller is committed to maintaining harmony within the team, as evident from his consistent emphasis on teamwork and professionalism. He evaluates players based on their physical and technical readiness for each match, reflecting his dedication to ensuring the team delivers its best performance in crucial encounters.
With the next match approaching, expectations are high for Al Ahly and its supporters, who hope for a successful journey to the final and the achievement of their long-awaited goal of winning the CAF Champions League this season.
