Amouta reviews Al Ahly FC's defence after Yassin Marei's error

Moroccan coach Omar El Saaiy of Al Ahly FC has begun reviewing his options in the backline following the defensive error made by Yassin Marei during the match against Kitarra from Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup. There are reports that the coach is open to parting ways with the player in the near future.

A source within Al Ahly FC has stated in press remarks that coach Omar El Saaiy is not satisfied with the performance of Yassin Marei and does not mind his departure, as he wishes to strengthen the defense with players who better match his tactical requirements.

The source added that the Moroccan coach has requested to sign an Egyptian defender, naming three candidates to strengthen the squad: Mahmoud Marei, a player from Pyramids, Mohamed Sharqia, a defender from Modern Sport, and Ahmed Kalousha, a player from ENPPI.

Al Ahly FC is expected to present the CVs of three defenders to coach Omar El Saaiy in order to assess their abilities and choose the one that best fits the team's needs, before taking official steps to finalize the deal in the upcoming period.

The coach expressed frustration after the match against Kitarra, where a mistake by Yassin Marei contributed to Al Ahly FC conceding a goal. The defender failed to handle the Ugandan team's attack properly, giving the hosts the opportunity to take the lead.

Despite Al Ahly FC's success in turning a deficit into a 2-1 victory, defensive lapses have sparked criticism within the club, as the coaching staff is keen to minimize mistakes that could cost the team crucial goals in continental matches.

According to reports, Omar El Saaiy held a session with Yassin Marei after the match, expressing his dissatisfaction with the error and urging him to focus more and commit to his defensive duties, warning him that repeating such mistakes could affect his chances of starting in upcoming matches.

Al Ahly FC secured an important victory against Kitarah in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32, coming from behind to win away from home thanks to goals from Omar El Saaiy and Ahmed Sayed Zizo, putting them close to qualification for the next round ahead of the return leg in Cairo.

Cairo International Stadium will host the second leg on Sunday, October 25, where Al Ahly FC need to win or draw to secure qualification to the group stage, while Kitarah must win by at least two goals to turn the tie around and secure their passage.

Al Ahly FC's moves to bolster their central defense come as part of the coaching staff's efforts to raise the level of competition within the team and provide alternatives capable of handling the pressure of domestic and continental matches. Meanwhile, the final decision regarding the proposed names and Yassin Marei's situation remains linked to the assessment of Omar El Saaiy and the team's needs in the upcoming phase.