Staff Reporter.
Al Ahly coach Samy Komsan has hailed new signing Percy Tau following the Reds’ 4-0 thrashing of rivals Ismaily in the opening game of the 2021/22 Egyptian Premier League season.
Ismaily were no match to dominant Al Ahly, who found themselves 3-0 up in just a little over 30 minutes, thanks to goals from Ali Maaloul and Percy Tau, before returnee Ahmed Abdelkader made it four just a few minutes before the half-time whistle.
Tau thought he had grabbed a hat-trick on his debut, but he had his third of the night ruled out for an offside on Mohamed Magdy Afsha in the build-up to the goal.
The former Brighton forward became the first non-Egyptian player to score on his debut since John Antwi, who had netted a super hat-trick against El-Gouna back in 2015.
Speaking on Tau after the game, Komsan said: “Percy Tau is a very special player, and Pitso Mosimane knows his abilities well. Tau played in the premier league and has a lot of experience.
“Mosimane gave him an opportunity like all the other players, and the coach won the bet. Tau is a huge addition to us and able to compete with Mohamed Sherif and Hossam Hassan. The variety of options is a win for the team.
“Ahmed Abdelkader is a special player and he performed well and scored a special goal. We were keen on having him back.
When asked if Mohamed El-Shennawy will miss the Cairo derby, he replied: “This file with the team doctor who will determine his condition.
“El-Shennawy is training well, but he will not participate until he is 100% ready. He is undergoing an intensive program and if he is ready before the derby, it will be a great addition to us.”