Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller said during the press conference following the match against CR Belouizdad that Al Ahly had not lost for a long time. He described the game as very intense overall, praising the opponent for putting on a good performance despite their limited chances.
Al Ahly lost 1-0 to CR Belouizdad in the fourth round of the CAF Champions League group stage on Friday evening in Algiers. This is Al Ahly's first defeat in the CAF Champions League in 27 matches.
Koller added, in comments reported by Al Ahly's official website, that the goal conceded came at a difficult time and should have been avoided. He emphasized that Al Ahly's position in the group will not be significantly affected by the loss and the team will fight hard to secure qualification for the next round.
He pointed out that Al Ahly played the match differently from the first-leg game in Cairo. "We lost possession too often and didn’t perform at the level we are accustomed to," he said.
Karim El Debes, Al Ahly player, also spoke after the game and said:
"The defeat saddened us, but we still have a chance, and we always focus on what’s ahead. Today’s match is over, with its good and bad moments—it’s finished."
"We will focus on the upcoming matches and we will qualify for the next round."
"We do not fall into the trap of being complacent after winning by six goals in one match and then relaxing in the next. We wanted to win today but it didn’t happen."
"We were all focused and united as one. The goal came from a strange play but it was due to our lack of concentration. We will fix our mistakes and focus on what’s next."
Updated CAF Champions League Group C Standings
1- Al Ahly (Egypt): 7 points - 4 games.
2- CR Belouizdad (Algeria): 6 points - 4 games.
3- Orlando Pirates (South Africa): 5 points - 3 games.
4- Stade d'Abidjan (Ivory Coast): 1 point - 3 games.
Orlando Pirates will host Stade d'Abidjan on Saturday at 4 PM GMT in the same round.
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