Locker Room Confessions: Yasser Ibrahim’s Apology and Ahly’s Cautious Plan for Imam Ashour

Inside the Ahly Camp

Walid Salah El Din, the club’s football director, praised defender Yasser Ibrahim after the latter issued an apology to match official Yasser Askar for objecting to the process of selecting the best player in a recent fixture against Ismailia Electricity Club, a game Al Ahly won 4-2 in the Egyptian Premier League yesterday. The director stressed that the apology was a necessary step to restore trust after the heated moment and to keep focus on the team’s objectives.

He added that Ibrahim did not know at the time that Marwan Attia had been chosen as the man of the match, and that once the issue was clarified the matter could be considered closed. The emphasis remained on maintaining discipline and fairness in how performances are judged on the field.

Regarding media handling, the former Ahly star stated a clear approach: he will not stay silent in the face of rumors about the team and will respond. Players are not allowed to speak publicly, and interim coach Emad Al Nahy? concentrates on his work and speaks only at press conferences. The duty to counter falsehoods about the squad falls to him, he said, highlighting the importance of accurate communication in preserving the club’s image.

Shhh, the rumor mill continues: “Zizo rumor”

The director then addressed a rumor about Zezo’s purported attendance at the morning of the match after his withdrawal, claiming that such an event did not happen. He declined to name individuals, noting that fans sometimes believe such rumors, even when there is no factual basis. He reiterated that the dressing room is filled with respectful players and a stable environment, and that what appears in matches reflects that unity.

Contract Renewals

On renewals, he stated that since taking charge, he declared the renewal file to be closed and that no one should press him on the matter. A rumor suggesting Marwan Attia was angry and seeking a salary increase through contract extension was dismissed as unfounded. The club stressed its need for loyal fans and vowed not to sow discord between players and supporters.

He also explained that no special favors exist in contracts. Players whose contracts extend beyond one year would be spoken to only if the club intends renewal. Those whose deals expire at the end of the season include Hussein El Shahat, Ahmed Abdelkader, Aliou Diang, Ahmed Nabil Kouka, and Ahmed Abdeen. Renewal discussions would be evaluated in coordination with the planning committee, with a clear timeline before January to present offers to those whose contracts end.

Hussein Shahat’s Condition

The director clarified that Hussein Shahat is dealing with a muscle strain that kept him out of the Ismailia match. Although renewal discussions are ongoing, he indicated it is still early to finalize terms, and financial assessments will be conducted for each player in collaboration with the planning committee before making formal offers before the January window.

Abdel Hafiz and Imam Ashour

Reflecting on the management structure, he praised his predecessor Sid Abdel Hafiz as one of the finest football managers in Ahly’s history. Sid’s potential board role would not create any crisis, with everyone understanding their respective duties. Mohamed Youssef remains the sporting director, while the speaker holds the football responsibilities; Sid would serve as general supervisor of football and a board member, all aimed at serving Ahly’s best interests.

The health of Imam Ashour remains a priority. The player is under daily medical evaluations, with laboratory estimates noting a liver virus level currently high (around 200). The normal range for athletes is between 30 and 40; in extreme cases it can reach 50. As such, the club continues to monitor his condition daily and will only clear him when it is safe to do so.

I am satisfied with the team’s performance against Ismailia Electricity, especially since the players were carrying fatigue from the recent clash with Zamalek. Ahly dominated the match, with goals from Ahmed Nabil Kouka (17), Yassin Merai (37), Mohamed Shreef (50), and Ashraf Ben Cherif (73). Ismailia responded through Mohammed Al-Fayoumi (38) and Moroccan Mohammed Ounajem (57).

The victory lifts the Red Castle to 18 points, sitting third and level on goal difference with Pyramids and Zamalek, who hold the top two spots, with one game in hand.

Return to Africa

Ahly is preparing to return to the CAF Champions League, facing Eagle Nyungwe Burundi on 17 October in the first leg of the Round of 32. Nyungwe had reached this stage after eliminating Bas Telecomm Djibouti; the first leg in Burundi ended 0-0, with a 1-1 draw in Djibouti in the second leg, allowing Nyungwe to advance on away goals.

As the most decorated club in African club football, Ahly has claimed the Champions League 12 times, with titles spanning from 1982 to 2024. The early years of the 21st century solidified Ahly’s status as Africa’s constant, balancing competition with stability and enduring success.

Final note from the desk: In football, if rumors came with subtitles, they’d still miss the offside. And if laughter is a form of cardio, today’s press conference barely counted as a warm-up. When the football gods hand you a bench, you still have to earn your minutes—stay sharp, stay funny, and stay united.