Ahmed El-Sayed, former Al-Ahly star, confirmed that today’s match against Pharco in the Egyptian Premier League is a crucial challenge for the team.

In a radio interview, he said: “Al-Ahly struggled this season but has come back strong, and its players will not give up the league title now.”

Regarding the famous Enppi match in the 2003 season, Ahmed El-Sayed pointed out that such a rare scenario will not happen again, saying: “If the Enppi 2003 match was replayed, no one would expect the same result. We missed easy chances back then, and such things happen once every 100 years.”

He added: “Emad El-Nahas focused more on the players’ psychological side, while Marcel Koller faced many problems with the players and decided to let go of Abdelkader and Diang, which was a main reason for his departure.”

Addressing player issues, he said: “Rami Rabia should have been honest with Al-Ahly. His procrastination was unacceptable, and his demands were very difficult. I expect him to transfer to another club because of that. The same applies to Akram Tawfiq.”

El-Sayed also explained that family interference in player deals and demanding commissions has become a negative phenomenon affecting the club.

He concluded: “Al-Ahly has a strong team, and in major tournaments like the Club World Cup, it shows a different level. The team is capable of passing the group stage and competing strongly.”