A New Era for Al Ahly: Torup Takes Charge Ahead of Burundi Showdown
12 October 2025
Overview
Al Ahly's first team returns to training at Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium tomorrow evening as they prepare for the CAF Champions League first leg against Eagles Nwar in Burundi, set for Saturday in the round of 32.
The Danish head coach Yis Torup, introduced last Friday, will lead his first session once his staff arrives. His debut was delayed from Friday to Sunday, then to Monday, due to the late arrival of his five assistants and support personnel.
Al Ahly confirmed that Torup will assume responsibility for two and a half years with a monthly salary of 250 thousand euros. He will be supported by five assistants, with Adel Mustafa remaining in the foreign coaching setup.
Injuries and Travel
The club anticipates the return of internationals with the Egyptian national team or the second side under Helmy Toulane as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers and Arab Cup duties. Expected returnees include Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, Aliou Dieng, Ashraf Ben Cherki and Genik Gardichar after the break.
Four players will miss the Burundi trip due to injury or illness: Ashraf Dari, Hussein El Shahat, Imam Ashour and Karim Fouad. Mohamed Shukri will undergo a medical check given a long layoff. Shahat is expected to be out for about two months; Fouad should be fit for gradual participation within a week; Dari needs at least three weeks before rejoining the group, while Imam Ashour continues medical tests to monitor blood virus levels.
Travel to Burundi will be by private plane on Thursday, with Dr. Mohammed Shoukhy and the administrative team handling logistics. On arrival, the team will train on a secondary venue, complete a final session on Friday, and then return after the match. The administration has resolved lodging near the stadium and secured visas and vaccinations for accompanying staff, with Ahly Sports Services coordinating the private flight arrangements.
The schedule foresees an early Thursday departure, an initial training in Burundi on arrival, and a final session the day before the match, followed by a swift return. The on-site team will coordinate logistical matters with the Egyptian embassy in Burundi, and a dedicated chef will support the squad during travel. All accompanying staff have visas in place to ensure a smooth trip.
Travel Logistics
The technical and administrative teams will ensure a seamless journey, including securing a hotel close to the stadium and managing any last-minute contingencies. A fully booked private flight, vaccinations for epidemics, and visa arrangements complete the preparation for a focused campaign in Burundi.
Flight and Schedule Details
The squad will depart early Thursday, undertake a morning and final training in Burundi, and return immediately after the game. The journey is supported by the on-site leadership and the travel division to cover all logistical aspects ahead of the encounter.
For the accompanying staff, visas have been secured and the logistical team will oversee all arrangements to ensure no detail is missed during this important international tie.
Punchlines
If football were a calendar, this would be the day the paperwork multiplies faster than the players’ captions. And in Burundi, even the visas come with a small training drill: run to the gate, stop, and smile for the photo you never asked for.
