African Heavy Weights Al Ahly beat Netherlands giants Ajax 1-0 in a fitting farewell match to legendary former Egypt international and club legend Hossam Ghaly at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in UAE.
In what was anticipated to be a goal galore, Al Ahly pressed Ajax’s defence from the start but couldn’t find clear chances to test the keeper. The Ajax defence was calm and composed stopping all signs of threat from the Egyptian champions.
Despite Al Ahly dominating the game, it was instead Justine Kluivert who came close to catching the Egyptians off guard but his shot was inches off.
The first half ended goalless prompting both coaches to make several changes that changed the entire tempo of the game. As pre-agreed before the game, Ghaly was subbed off at the 76th minute under a big standing ovation from the entire stadium.
It was substitute Salam Mohsen that scored the late goal to separate the two sides. Six minutes after coming on for Ghaly, Mohsen broke into the Ajax box and calmly controlled a lovely cross from Mido Gaber before volleying it into the back of the net.
The retiring club captain started his professional career with Al Ahly after graduating from their youth ranks in 2000. Three years later, he moved to Feyenoord where he impressed and earned his dream move to Premier League’s London based side Tottenham in 2006.
After failing to impress with his new side, a loan move was inevitable and Derby County came calling in 2008. His one-year stint with Derby was also not as productive as he had hoped prompting him to move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Nasr.
In 2010, the versatile midfielder decided he’d seen enough and it was time to return home. He moved back to Al Ahly where he established himself as one of the club’s greats.
The 36-year-old veteran led the Red Devils to two CAF Champions League trophies, One Confederations Cup trophy, four Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egyptian Cups and three Egyptian Super Cups.
Asked about what he will do next, a tearful Ghaly said he was not interested in becoming a coach, but confirmed he would instead take up an administrative role at Ahly.
Next up for Al Ahyl is a journey to Kampala where they will be facing off with Kampala City Authority in their second Champions League group stages match.
