Emad El-Nahas crowns the Derby while Yanick Ferreira defends Zamalek in a 2-1 Moscow… wait, Cairo

Match Overview

Emad El-Nahas, the head coach of Al Ahly, congratulated his players after their 2-1 victory over Zamalek in a cauldron-like Cairo Stadium, sealing a dramatic nine-point affair in the Egyptian Premier League.

Al Ahly’s win came after a competitive clash that had fans on the edge of their seats from the opening whistle, with the result shaping the table dynamics and the mood around the club for weeks to come.

Post-Match Reflections

In the press conference, Nahas said, “Congratulations to Al Ahly, its fans, and the players; everyone has carried a heavy load in recent times.” He added that the victory was earned through a convincing performance, even though Zamalek started brightly and wasted two close opportunities.

He noted that the penalty awarded to Al Ahly bore similarities to a call given to Zamalek, but he steered clear of dissecting refereeing decisions, choosing instead to emphasize his team’s preparation and composure after conceding a goal.

“I spoke with the players about how to rebound, created chances, and played calmly after conceding. We won, which in the end hides many details,” Nahas explained. He also remarked that this derby was his first as the manager and urged Zamalek to persist, stressing that victories come down to small details.

He thanked the squad for their hard work over recent times and suggested this match could mark a fresh start for Al Ahly this season. Nahas highlighted Mohamed Sherif’s significant effort, noting that while he felt he would score, he did set up a goal and was unlucky in another moment of the game.

He confirmed that Niets Gradyashar’s absence through a hamstring issue partly shaped substitutions and lineup choices, adding that the win should quiet debates about changes or conditions surrounding the squad.

The Best Match

According to Nahas, fitness coach Abdulrahman Issa helped address several physical issues; he described the Zamalek game as one of Al Ahly’s best this season, while promising to discuss a few early-game errors with the players, especially at the start of the match.

Nahas also revealed that Ahmed “Zizo” Mustafa asked to participate; he trained but the manager chose not to risk him, avoiding a repeat of a previous incident. He said he would have given a chance to the young striker Hamza Abdul Karim if the result had been decided earlier, underscoring the importance of this match for restoring confidence and balance as the team looked ahead.

“Whether I continue as coach or a new one arrives, I will not hesitate to answer Al Ahly’s call,” Nahas concluded, stressing the need for motivation and collective drive among the squad as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Second-Order Details

The coach also mentioned that Ismailia’s upcoming fixture bears equal importance to the Derby and that the team must maintain focus regardless of managerial changes. He praised Hussein El-Shahat for regaining match fitness after returning from national team duty and noted Ahmed Abdalqader’s return to action, both underscoring the need for sustained desire within the squad.

Ferreira’s View

Meanwhile, Belgium’s Yanick Ferreira, the Zamalek boss, expressed disappointment with the loss and explained that the game’s sequence of events—early pressure earlier opportunities, and a late momentum shift—contributed to the final result. He outlined how the team pressed early in the first half, took the lead, but then ceded control, allowing Al Ahly to capitalize and turn the game in their favor.

Ferreira described his team’s late push in the final 10 minutes as a bid to force a different outcome and acknowledged some missed chances, including a shot against the crossbar. He added that his side will study the game deeply to prepare for upcoming fixtures and to avoid similar lapses.

He also noted that the tactical options considered during the match—such as adjusting the back line or adding forward pressure—were weighed, but there was no justification for major changes after a solid performance for long stretches. Ferreira closed by saying the coach’s job is to learn from every game and strive to improve, especially against such a formidable rival.

As the post-derby narrative continues, both managers signaled a commitment to rebuilding momentum and the belief that precision in small aspects could drive more consistent success in the league.

Punchline time: If football is a chess match, this derby was a tactical trap—only the referee didn’t realize it until the end. Punchline two: I told my jokes to the back four and they finally started defending my punchlines too. Classic case of goals being the best therapy, with a dash of sarcasm on the side.