In a heartbreaking exit from the 2024/2025 African Champions League, Egyptian giants Al-Ahly bid farewell to the prestigious tournament after a tense 1-1 draw against South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns on Friday, April 25, 2025. The match, held at Cairo International Stadium, saw Al-Ahly initially take the lead but ultimately succumb to a late equalizer that sealed their fate.
Al-Ahly, under the management of Marcel Koller, started strong, with a stunning goal from Taher Mohamed Taher in the 24th minute. The move was orchestrated by Imam Ashour, whose brilliant pass set up Taher for a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area, putting the home side ahead. Fans erupted in celebration, hoping for a decisive victory that would propel their team to the finals.
However, the joy was short-lived. As the match neared its conclusion, disaster struck for Al-Ahly. In the dying moments of the game, a defensive mishap led to an own goal by defender Yasser Ibrahim in the 90th minute. The ball ricocheted off him and into the net, allowing Sundowns to equalize and advance to the final on the away goals rule, having drawn the first leg 0-0 in South Africa.
Yasser Ibrahim reflected on the heartbreaking moment, stating, "We had control of the game, but we couldn't finish our chances. The late goal was a tough pill to swallow for all of us." His sentiments echoed the frustration felt by players and fans alike, as the team had dominated the match but failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
The aftermath of the match was chaotic. Al-Ahly fans, visibly upset with the team's performance, expressed their discontent by throwing water bottles at Koller as he left the pitch. The 64-year-old Swiss coach faced mounting criticism for his tactics, with many fans calling for his dismissal. Wael Gomaa, a former star of the club, voiced his disappointment, stating, "Al-Ahly did not deserve to advance based on today's performance. Koller made tactical errors that cost us the match."
Gomaa specifically pointed to the decision to substitute Ashour and questioned the team's overall game strategy, which he felt lacked the necessary aggression to pressure Sundowns. "The players were not given the freedom to express themselves, and that ultimately led to our downfall," he added.
With this exit from the Champions League, Al-Ahly faces the grim reality of a potential "zero season." Historically, the club has rarely finished a season without trophies, having only experienced this in six previous instances since its establishment in 1907. The pressure is now on Koller and his squad to redeem themselves in the remaining fixtures of the Egyptian Premier League, where they currently trail leaders Pyramids FC by four points with just six matches left.
As the team looks ahead, the road to recovery will not be easy. Al-Ahly has already withdrawn from the Egypt Cup earlier this season and exited the Cairo Capital Cup prematurely. The club's fans are left wondering if this season will indeed be added to their list of rare barren years.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for Al-Ahly. If they can muster a strong finish in the league, they still have the chance to reclaim the title and possibly add the local Super Cup and the African Super Cup to their trophy cabinet. However, achieving this will require a swift turnaround and a re-evaluation of their strategies moving forward.
Sundowns, on the other hand, will now prepare for the final, where they await the winner of the match between Pyramids and Orlando Pirates. Their victory over Al-Ahly marks a significant achievement and a step closer to continental glory.
As the dust settles on this disappointing exit, questions loom large over the future of Koller and the current roster. Will the club make significant changes in the off-season? Can they avoid the embarrassment of a zero season? The answers remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever for Al-Ahly as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Fans will be watching closely to see if their beloved team can bounce back and restore their pride in Egyptian football. The pressure is on, and the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Al-Ahly can salvage something from this tumultuous season.
