Media personality Mohamed Fares, presenter of the “Fe Dahr Al Ahly” program, highlighted the main features of Al Ahly’s performance against ZED, stressing that the team looked stronger and more aggressive compared with its opening match against ENPPI, despite the continued presence of weaknesses that need to be addressed during the coming period. ⚽🔴
Fares believes Al Ahly produced several positive signs against ZED, particularly in terms of early pressure and making a strong start to the match, explaining that these were among the aspects the team had been demanding and that finally began to appear clearly on the pitch.
Al Ahly Against ZED.. A Different Start
Mohamed Fares explained that the difference between Al Ahly’s performances against ENPPI and ZED was clear, particularly in the way the team started both matches.
He pointed out that Al Ahly appeared passive against ENPPI, conceding a goal in the 17th minute. ENPPI then missed a penalty in the 21st minute before scoring a second goal just three minutes later.
According to Fares, Al Ahly only began to truly enter the match after Marwan Attia scored in the 34th minute before the team eventually completed its comeback and secured a 3-2 victory.
Against ZED, however, Al Ahly started the match with clear attacking pressure from the opening minutes, allowing the team to reach the opponent’s goal more frequently and create chances. 🔥
Early Pressure Makes the Difference
Fares believes early pressure was one of the main reasons behind Al Ahly’s improved performance against ZED, noting that the team became more aggressive when pressing and winning the ball in advanced areas.
This effectiveness was visible through several early attacking attempts, beginning with Achraf Bencharki’s shot in the fifth minute, followed by his header from Ali Mahmoud’s cross, in addition to Koka’s shot and Taher Mohamed Taher’s attempt.
That pressure allowed Al Ahly to regain possession in midfield and quickly turn it into an attack that contributed to Bencharki’s opening goal in the 21st minute, which Fares considered evidence that the team successfully implemented one of the areas it needed to improve. ⭐
Praise for Ali Mahmoud and Marwan Attia
Mohamed Fares also discussed the midfield partnership between Ali Mahmoud and Marwan Attia, saying that it provided better solutions during transitions compared with the Koka-Marwan Attia partnership against ENPPI.
This type of understanding gives Al Ahly greater ability to move quickly from defense into attack, particularly when the midfielders recover possession and immediately move the ball toward the attacking line.
With more players returning to the squad’s calculations, the coaching staff could have additional options to vary the team’s approach according to the nature of each opponent.
Imam Ashour’s Return Adds New Options
Fares believes Imam Ashour’s return could give Al Ahly additional strength in midfield, particularly if he is used as a number 8 alongside Marwan Attia and Ali Mahmoud.
The player can move between the lines, contribute to pressing and support attacks, giving Al Ahly greater tactical flexibility during upcoming matches.
His presence becomes increasingly important as the season progresses and matches come in succession because the coaching staff need more than one option in each position, particularly when dealing with injuries or fatigue. 🏆
Amouta Learning Through Matches
Mohamed Fares stressed that Hussein Amouta is learning through experience, emphasizing that winning matches while simultaneously addressing weaknesses is a positive development at this stage.
He explained that the coach will need time to develop his ideas and improve the team’s performance, particularly because official matches reveal details that do not always appear during training sessions.
From this perspective, victories become even more valuable when they come alongside clear indications that the team is improving and certain weaknesses are being corrected.
Al Ahly’s Fighting Spirit Shines Through
Fares also praised the team’s spirit during its opening two matches, highlighting Al Ahly’s ability to come back against ENPPI after falling two goals behind before producing a strong start against ZED.
He believes this mentality represents one of Al Ahly’s major strengths, especially because a long season requires a team capable of dealing with difficulties and refusing to give up when trailing.
Teamwork Still Needs Improvement
Despite the positives, Fares stressed that some aspects require further work, particularly improving the team’s collective play and reducing individual decision-making.
He noted that some individual choices against ZED prevented Al Ahly from scoring more goals, something the coaching staff will need to address during the upcoming training sessions.
He also stressed that evaluating the team should not focus only on weaknesses or only on positives. Instead, it needs to be balanced to identify what has improved and what still needs further development.
Al Ahly Prepare for Smouha
Al Ahly defeated ZED 2-0, with Achraf Bencharki opening the scoring in the 21st minute before Taher Mohamed Taher added the second goal in the 60th minute, taking the team to 6 points after two consecutive victories.
Al Ahly are preparing to face Smouha on Thursday, September 3, in the third round of the Egyptian Premier League, providing another test for the coaching staff and players.
✨ The match will offer an opportunity to determine whether Al Ahly can continue improving and turn the positives shown against ZED into more consistent performances during the upcoming rounds.
📢 Do you agree with Mohamed Fares’ assessment of Al Ahly’s performance? Do you believe the team is moving in the right direction under Hussein Amouta? Share your opinion and prediction for the Smouha match. ⚽🔴
