Al Ahly SC of Egypt is riding high after their solid victory against Al Masry, boosting their morale and standings in the Egyptian Premier League. The team secured the win with two goals, striving to climb the rankings as they aim to position themselves as one of the top clubs this season.
On December 26, 2024, Al Ahly faced Al Masry at the Army Stadium in Borg El Arab, Alexandria. The match ended with Al Ahly winning 2-0, putting them just behind rivals Zamalek, Pyramids, and Al Masry, each with 11 points compared to Al Ahly's 8 points from their four matches.
The victory was significant not only for the stated points but also for the performance of players such as Percy Tau, who has been under scrutiny for his relationship with the club and coach Marcel Kohler. Tau has been delivering impressive performances on the pitch, showing his potential to be one of the league's key players.
Tau, the 30-year-old attacker from South Africa, has had his ups and downs with Al Ahly. After encountering issues with the coaching staff last season, there were discussions about parting ways, especially with the transfer window fast approaching. Despite these challenges, he has adapted well, scoring three goals and providing one assist across 13 games this season. His recent appearances have been noteworthy, especially during the UEFA Champions League clash against Khanyisa Mayo's CR Belouizdad, where he came off the bench and made a significant impact, helping secure a dominant 6-1 win.
Former Al Ahly player Mohamed Emara expressed his optimism about Tau's future with the club, stating, “I reject Percy Tau's departure from Al-Ahly, and I hope the South African player will continue in the Red Castle for the next year because he is a very influential player.” Emara believes Tau's skill and influence are irreplaceable, especially as Al Ahly navigates various competitions this season.
On the other hand, the match against Al Masry was closely watched for its exciting moments and tactical plays. The opening goal was scored by Yehia Atiyatallah, who netted his first since joining Al Ahly with a stunning direct free kick just before halftime. His strike brought the score to 1-0, establishing Al Ahly's hold on the game.
The match was not without controversy. Tawfiq Al-Sayyid, a refereeing expert, commented on the officiation of the game, particularly focusing on allegations of penalties. Al-Sayyid asserted, “The contact was very natural. Al Masry does not deserve a penalty against Al Ahly,” following some questionable tackles and falls within the penalty area during the match. This analysis brought attention to how ref decisions might affect league standing and team reputations.
Throughout the match, Al Ahly showcased their tactical control, though there was noticeable pressure applied by Al Masry at times. Despite having ten players absent due to various reasons, Al Ahly’s depth was on display as they managed to maintain their lead and secure three points.
The focus now shifts back to Tau as his contract with Al Ahly is expected to end at the season's conclusion. With the January transfer window around the corner, speculation about his future inevitably grows. Will he stay with the Reds, or will he look to explore new opportunities? His performances certainly warrant interest from various clubs, which raises pressing questions for the coaching staff and management at Al Ahly.
Fans of the club remain hopeful as they watch their team progress through the league. Al Ahly's resolve to keep their best players, especially someone as integral as Tau, is pivotal as they strive for underpinned stability and success this season. With their current momentum and Tau's recent performances, Al Ahly is on the path to reclaim their glory and continue their rich history of football success.
