From glory to downfall: the five mistakes that sank Al Ahly | OneFootball

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The five mistakes that sank Al Ahly

Al Ahly/@lemiroirmagazine

The Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly is enduring a nightmare 2025-2026 season.

Lagging behind in the domestic league to rivals Zamalek and Pyramids FC, the Cairo-based club was also knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Espérance de Tunis (4-2 on aggregate over the two-legged tie).

A disappointing showing for a club that didn’t hesitate to break the bank, shelling out millions of dollars to secure new signings during the last two transfer windows.

Foot Africa has identified five major mistakes that have brought Al Ahly to its knees this season.

A disrupted pre-season

The "Club of the Century" botched its pre-season preparations due to participation in the Club World Cup, held in the United States.

Al Ahly settled for a brief training camp in Tunisia before diving into the Egyptian Premier League.

This lackluster preparation partly explains the physical dip seen in the squad, especially during both legs against Espérance de Tunis.

A failed transfer window

Despite significant financial muscle, Al Ahly’s recruitment team missed the mark in both the summer and winter transfer periods.

With the exception of Mahmoud Trezeguet—who delivered 15 goals and just one assist—the other signings simply failed to justify the astronomical sums spent to bring them in.

Tunisian holding midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, signed for €1.58 million, managed only 2 goals and 4 assists in 28 appearances.

Meanwhile, Amr El Gazar, brought in for €1.10 million, featured in 11 matches without scoring, while Mostafa El Aash, signed for €858,000, was sent out on loan to El Masry.

A toxic dressing room atmosphere

Tensions among senior players have undermined team unity, casting a shadow over Al Ahly’s performance in this 2025-2026 campaign.

The clash of strong personalities has soured the mood behind the scenes, epitomized by Emam Ashour, whose repeated antics have ultimately unsettled the squad’s balance.

Poor managerial choices

Spanish coach José Riveiro failed to make an impact at Al Ahly, recording two draws and a single loss in three Club World Cup matches.

His successor, Dane Jess Thorup, managed 14 wins, but also suffered 8 defeats and 8 draws in 30 games across all competitions.

One-man management at the top

Club president Mahmoud Al-Khatib has come under fire for what many see as overly centralized leadership.

The former Pharaohs captain stands accused of misdirecting club funds, particularly through questionable signings and managerial appointments.