Jess Thorup admits Al Ahly were lucky after 0-0 draw vs JS Kabylie

Coach delivers blunt verdict after JS Kabylie pressure

Jess Thorup admits Al Ahly were lucky after 0-0 draw vs JS Kabylie

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup admitted his team were lucky to avoid defeat after goalless draw against JS Kabylie in Algeria.

Tough night for Al Ahly in Algeria

Al Ahly secured qualification for CAF Champions League quarter-finals despite disappointing 0-0 draw away to JS Kabylie on Saturday.

The Egyptian side struggled throughout the match and were under heavy pressure especially in the first half.

JS Kabylie created several clear chances and came close to scoring when Aimen Mahious hit the post before the break.

Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir played a key role for Al Ahly producing strong saves to keep his team in the game and preserve clean sheet.

Thorup: “We were lucky”

After the match, Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup was honest about his team’s performance. Speaking to reporters, he said he was not satisfied especially with first-half display.

Thorup admitted that luck was on Al Ahly’s side but stressed that avoiding defeat can sometimes be important.

He explained that while the team always aims to win, the draw was enough to secure qualification which was the main objective.

Injuries add to Al Ahly’s problems

Thorup also pointed to the absence of key players as a major factor. He revealed that losing two important wingers had clear impact on the team’s performance.

Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet forced off before halftime with hamstring injury while Ahmed Mostafa Zizo had suffered similar injury in the previous match in the Egyptian league.

Thorup said replacing players of that level is difficult for any team especially in demanding competition like Champions League.

Pressure & poor form

Al Ahly now drawn their last three matches in all competitions showing dip in form at a crucial stage of the season.

The situation has been made harder by the absence of Emam Ashour who is currently sidelined due to disciplinary decision.

The Cairo giants will close the group stage at home against AS FAR looking to improve performances and regain confidence ahead of the knockout rounds.