Al Ahly Deny Investigation Into Ammouta After Player Clash

Casablanca – Al Ahly has denied reports that Moroccan head coach Hussein Ammouta was referred for an internal investigation following an incident involving midfielder Ali Mahmoud during the team’s 1-1 draw with Al Mokawloon Al Arab.

The incident occurred after Mahmoud was substituted in the second half, with footage and reports from Egyptian media drawing attention to an exchange between the young player and Ammouta as he left the pitch.

Reports suggested that the coach reacted after Mahmoud appeared to acknowledge Al Ahly’s football director Wael Gomaa before walking past Ammouta without shaking his hand.

A source within Al Ahly subsequently dismissed reports that the Moroccan coach had been summoned for an investigation.

Ammouta plays down incident

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Ammouta rejected speculation that the exchange represented a serious confrontation.

“What happened after the substitution was not a dispute. This is normal,” Ammouta said.

The Moroccan coach explained that Mahmoud had been frustrated by the decision to take him off, particularly as he wanted to remain on the pitch.

“Ali Mahmoud is one of the good young players, and it is natural for him to feel anxious and nervous when he comes off,” he added.

Ammouta also stressed that the mood around the team contributed to the tension, with Al Ahly struggling to make an ideal start to the match.

“He wanted to continue playing, and everyone in the team was feeling nervous because the start was not good. Everyone bears responsibility for that,” he said.

Al Ahly deny investigation reports

A source inside Al Ahly also described the incident as a moment of frustration during the match rather than a matter requiring formal disciplinary proceedings.

The source acknowledged that Ammouta’s reaction may have gone somewhat beyond what was necessary, while also pointing to Mahmoud’s conduct as part of the exchange.

The matter is expected to remain an internal issue between the coach and player, with no indication that either party will face formal disciplinary action.

The same source cautioned against drawing conclusions about Ammouta’s tenure at Al Ahly based on the incident, stressing that the Moroccan coach’s work with the Egyptian giants should be assessed over a longer period.

Al Ahly held by Al Mokawloon

The incident came during a frustrating evening for Al Ahly, who drew 1-1 with Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Islam Gaber gave Al Mokawloon athe lead from the penalty spot before Zizo restored parity for Al Ahly with a penalty of his own.

The result left Al Ahly on 10 points in third place, while Al Mokawloon moved to four points in 13th.