Al-Hussein Amouta's comments after Al Ahly FC's win over Smouha

Al-Hussein Amouta, the head coach of the first football team of Al Ahly FC, confirmed that the match against Smouha was tough, asserting that the Red team's performance was good throughout the encounter.

Al Ahly FC beat Smouha 1-0 on Thursday evening in the third round of the Egyptian League.

Amouta said at the press conference after the match: "It was a difficult match, and Smouha is a fighting team, especially in defense. Despite our complete possession of the match, the goal was delayed, but we had determination to score, and the most important thing at the beginning is to collect the three points."

Al Ahly FC's manager addressed fans' anger over the team's performance, insisting they played well. He said: "The performance was good, our possession reached around 70%, and we wasted more than 13 or 14 chances. Our goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir was not tested today, except for one corner kick against us. The problem was the delay in scoring."

Regarding the deployment of Zizo in a different position than his usual one, Amouta clarified that the coaching staff needs all players to be ready, pointing out that Zizo was the most fit among the forwards, while Afsha struggled with a hamstring injury.

Al Ahly FC's coach discussed Emam Ashour's condition, stating he missed yesterday's training due to abdominal pain. He needs to play 3 or 4 friendly matches to regain his physical rhythm and avoid suffering a new injury.

When asked if this means Emam Ashour will be absent until the next international break, Amouta replied: "No, he might return before the break."