Ahmed El-Sayed, former Al Ahly defender, affirmed that “nothing is impossible” for the Red Devils ahead of their third group stage match against Portugal’s Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. In a statement on the radio show “Le'ba W El-Tanya” on Mega FM with host Karim Ramzy, El-Sayed said that “the players' determination and the club’s rich history can overturn the result.”

He added that Al Ahly “suffered physically against Palmeiras, who excelled in quick transitions and exploiting the space behind the full-backs,” despite the Egyptian side’s dominance in possession. He considered the match against Inter Miami to be “more fitting of the team’s capabilities,” praising the discipline of the midfielders in that game.

El-Sayed pointed out that the absence of Rami Rabia “created a gap in the back line,” increasing pressure on the new defensive pair Ashraf Dari and Yasser Ibrahim, who “are still developing full chemistry and understanding.” He also criticized the use of Zizo in a central role, believing that “his talent shines more when deployed on the wings.”
He warned of a possible “tactical collusion” between Palmeiras and Inter Miami that could eliminate Al Ahly from contention, expressing surprise that the team “has not scored any goals so far in the tournament.” He emphasized the need to capitalize on set pieces and counterattacks, and to “regain full fitness” before facing Porto.

El-Sayed concluded by calling on the Egyptian Football Association and Al Ahly’s management to restructure the scouting system, recalling names like Mahmoud El-Khatib and Taher Abou Zeid in talent discovery. He urged the development of a new generation of forwards and playmakers capable of raising the standard of Egyptian football on the continental level.