Torup Takes the Blame as Ahly Stumbles Toward the Egyptian Super Cup

Match context

The Danish coach Yis Torup, head coach of Al Ahly, stated after the goalless draw with Al Masry at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria that he takes full responsibility for the result. He underlined that football is a team game and that scoring is the main aim, a demand his side failed to meet on the day.

Super Cup spotlight

Al Ahly remain on 23 points in the Egyptian Premier League, second to Ceramica Cleopatra, three points off the pace and one point ahead of Zamalek.

Torup told the press conference that the team created many chances but could not convert them and that there were five near misses and a late penalty opportunity that went unexecuted. He added that he is the manager and owns the responsibility for the draw, while acknowledging improvement over time is needed and that restoring confidence is part of his job.

He also defended Ahmed Mustafa, known as Zizo, who missed a late spot kick, saying the player is talented and penalty misses happen to even the best players.

In the opposite dugout, Tunisian coach Nabil El Kouki of Al Masry said he was satisfied with the point, praising the tough test against one of Africa’s top clubs. He noted some early errors gave way to tactical changes in the second half and stressed the aim is not to lose but to win when the opportunity arises.

The Egyptian Super Cup runs from November 6 to 9 and features four teams: Al Ahly (league champions), Zamalek (Cup winners), Pyramids (invited), and Ceramica Cleopatra (last season’s League Cup winner). The format is knockout, with semifinals on November 6, a third-place match, and the final on November 9.

With all four sides boasting quality players and ambitious coaches, the contest is expected to deliver a high level of football and a taste of what lies ahead when the league resumes.

Al Ahly’s clash with Ceramica Cleopatra is set for the semifinals, while Zamalek will face Pyramids in the other last-four matchup. The stage is set for drama, as the two Cairo giants collide and a newer challenger seeks to upset the balance.

Punchline 1: If goals were bullets, Ahly would need a bigger target—they’ve got the firepower, just not the finish line yet.

Punchline 2: If penalties were a scavenger hunt, Zizo would find all the clues—just not this time, coach’s chalkboard approves a rematch.