Tense in Rabat: Al Ahly Fight Back to 1-1 Against Royal Army in CAF CL

Match Context

Danes Jess Thorup, the Al Ahly coach, said the visit to Royal Army Rabat ended in a 1-1 draw and was a tough assignment, exactly as he had anticipated for the second group-stage clash in the CAF Champions League.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, he noted the atmosphere was difficult and that he had warned about it beforehand. He criticized a penalty that appeared to have no real contact, and the absence of VAR, which he called catastrophic for a group-stage match.

Coaching Perspective and Aftermath

He added that two small errors could cost the club substantial effort and money in a tournament of this magnitude. The second half saw a better performance, a comeback, and a goal, keeping them in range of three points.

On the topic of some Royal Army fans throwing bottles and objects at Al Ahly players, Thorup said he was unsure whether to pull his team off the pitch or stay calm, appreciating the stadium's atmosphere while condemning the incident.

He added that although they could not win, a point was acceptable and that Moroccan hospitality and stadium quality impressed him, noting the welcome and promising to study the match later; punchline: even VAR would have needed a vacation after this one.

Thorup also stressed that the group is very tough, among the hardest the club has faced in years, with strong support for the opponent and chances created against them.

Closing the briefing, he said any visiting team would struggle against Royal Army, and he was pleased to visit Morocco for the first time.

Finally, he thanked the Moroccan hosts for a warm reception and said he would study the game later to prepare better for the next round.

Punchline final: football is like a coffee — bitter at times, but you keep coming back for more.