Egyptian Dynamo Surges to a 4-1 Victory as CAF CL Opener Sparks Group B Buzz

Al Ahly Answers Critics with a 4-1 Win in Cairo

In a buoyant performance at Cairo Stadium, Danish coach Yis Turub led Al Ahly to a convincing 4-1 victory over Algeria’s JS Kabylie, opening their CAF Champions League Group B campaign on a high note.

Al Ahly sit top of the group with three points, level on goal difference with Young Africans of Tanzania, who had earlier beaten the Moroccan army side 1-0.

The Egyptians now travel to face the Moroccan army club next Saturday for the second round, while JS Kabylie host Young Africans in their next fixture.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Turub said: “We aimed for a win and a strong start in the group phase, and I’m grateful to the fans at Cairo Stadium for backing the team wholeheartedly.”

“We deserved the victory because we created numerous chances against the Algerian side and could have scored more than four, as several close efforts went astray,” he added.

The coach noted a 15‑minute spell in the second half that allowed Kabylie to surge forward and pull a goal back, yet argued the result reflected the chances created, suggesting a potential six or seven goal margin in perfect conditions, which of course did not materialize.

Turub also spoke about the team’s physical condition, saying players are working harder and the collective shape has improved substantially; overall, he was pleased with tonight’s display.

Goalkeeper mishap

Responding to questions about Mohamed Shennawi’s error in Kabylie’s only goal, Turub stated: “We are one team; we win together and lose together, and mistakes are part of football.”

He continued: “Kabylie’s goal came with a touch from our defender Yasser Ibrahim, making it hard for Shennawi to save. It’s easy to point to one player, but the truth is the responsibility rests with the whole team, and we moved on quickly after that and scored twice more.”

Turub emphasized that Ahly needs all players fit, praising Mustafa Shobier for a remarkable late save and noting the coach’s belief that selection is driven by performance in training rather than fixed positions.

Achraf Bencharki shines

Turub also applauded Moroccan wing-back Achraf Bencharki for his influential display, linking up well with Mohamed Hany and producing a superb goal, describing Bencharki as a “great player with outstanding attacking instincts” and an important asset for the squad.

He conceded that the first half had been better for Ahly than the second, stressing that controlling the game across 90 minutes remains crucial and not easy to achieve.

Finally, Turub said he would review the game to pick out positives and negatives, and that his team’s next lineup would hinge on training form. He hinted that Mohamed Sharf’s position at center-forward was chosen because the coach believed he was the best option for that moment.

Shabby Kabylie coach’s reaction

Germany’s Josef Zeinbauer, the Shabab Kabylie coach, said the result was tough and not favorable for his side, noting that experience gaps influenced the outcome. Kabylie fought hard to stay within reach and push for parity, but the odds and experience ultimately decided the match.

He added: “We lacked cutting edge in attack for most of the game, though I’m thankful to the fans who supported us.”

“Ahly are a big opponent and a former continental champion; this is a learning moment and there is more work to do,” Zeinbauer said. He also highlighted that Ahmed Nabil “Coca,” Kabylie’s left-back, performed well in a difficult evening for his team.

Sherry and Zizo speak

Mohamed Sherif, the Ahly striker, was delighted with the win and the early three points, saying the goal he finally scored after a lay-off felt especially sweet ahead of a challenging clash with the Moroccan side away from home.

Ahly winger Ahmed Zizo added that the group is the toughest in the competition, but it was a healthy start. He admitted he did not feel fully ready but still played 70 minutes, eventually succumbing to fatigue and undergoing a medical check after returning to training.

In closing, the Danish coach reiterated that selection is driven by training performance and that the best player in each position earns a start, not the other way around.

Two quick punchlines to keep things light: 1) Football is life’s version of a magic trick—the ball disappears, then somehow ends up in the back of the net in the most dramatic fashion. 2) If this match taught us anything, it’s that even a 4-1 win can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure where the better chapters arrive in the second half—just with a few heart-stopping twists along the way.