Staff Reporter.
Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane discussed the tough victory over Al-Merreikh, topping the group, and Hossam Hassan’s tears against Pharco.
Al Ahly have returned back to winning ways in the CAF Champions League with a tough 3-2 victory over Sudan’s Al-Merrikh in matchday three of the group-stages.
The African champions now sit second in their group with four points, three behind leaders Sundowns, while Al Merreikh dropped to third with the same amount of points as Al Ahly.
Speaking after the game, Pitso said: “In the group stages, the same things happen every year, and last year we drew at home against AS Vita Club.
“For the third time in a row, I say we need VAR in the group stages of the CAF Champions League.
“Our defence was good until we scored the second goal, then we conceded two goals and in the end we scored the third goal and won, but we will work to solve the defensive problems.
“Ahmed Abdelkader is a very good player, but we expect more from him and he will score goals.
“Topping the group does not mean that you have won the title. We have won the title twice and we finished second both years, but I certainly like to win the group.”
Hassan was seen crying before getting on in the dying minutes against Pharco; however, his situation didn’t change against Al-Merreikh as he was also brought on in the added time.
Regarding the situation, Pitso said: “Should I play Hossam Hassan instead of Mohamed Sherif, who is constantly scoring?”
“You know what’s important? Hossam Hassan is constantly involved until he gets the sensitivity of the matches.
“We love Hossam Hassan and we need him. We have a lot of games coming up and he will definitely play.
“I spoke to him after the Pharco game when he was crying and he told me that he wanted a bigger chance and today he didn’t cry.
“I told Hassan that I would give him a bigger chance to play and I really want this, but Mohamed Sherif keeps on scoring.
“The logical question should be why Miquissone didn’t play against Al-Merreikh, but he didn’t cry, so no one asked me that question,” he concluded.