Al Ahly coach Koller: Gradisar had a great performance, Abou Ali deserved a penalty

Al Ahly head coach, Marcel Koller, stated that the team secured a hard-fought victory against Tala’ea El Gaish, as he had anticipated a difficult match against a strong opponent determined to achieve their desired result.

Al Ahly defeated Tala’ea El Gaish 2-0 in the 17th and final round of the first phase of the Nile Egyptian League.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, as quoted by Al Ahly's official website, Koller said:"As the game progressed, we managed to create several chances and had the opportunity to score more goals. However, we are happy with the victory, and now we turn the page and look forward."

He added:"Gradisar put in a great performance but suffered from muscle tightness towards the end of the match. He fulfilled his role successfully and continues to perform well. Wessam Abou Ali had several chances, but it is normal for a player returning from injury to work hard and strive to regain his top form."

Koller continued:"The second phase matches will be decisive. We have eight strong and crucial matches ahead, and every team has the ambition to lead and win. Our ultimate goal is to win the league, and to achieve that, we must secure victory in all our upcoming matches."

The coach also pointed out that Al Ahly deserved a penalty in the first half for a foul on Wessam Abou Ali, stating:"There was strong contact against him, and VAR could have awarded the penalty. In stoppage time, we did receive a penalty. In general, there are many tough refereeing decisions in matches."

Al Ahly currently sits in second place in the Nile Egyptian League standings with 39 points, trailing Pyramids by three points.