Mohamed El-Damati, a member of Al Ahly's board of directors, expressed his support for the team's players, particularly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, amidst a recent controversy. El-Damati emphasized that the club stands firmly behind all its players, stating that they are like children to the club. This comes after Al Ahly released an official statement reserving their right to respond to comments made by national team coach Hossam Hassan against El-Shenawy.
El-Damati denied reports that Al Ahly had requested its players to be exempt from an upcoming friendly match against South Africa. He stressed that these claims are baseless and that the Egyptian Football Association understands the situation clearly. According to El-Damati, the association has taken the necessary steps to address the issue. The controversy arose after coach Hossam Hassan made public comments criticizing El-Shenawy.
The Egyptian national team is set to face South Sudan in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, followed by a friendly match against South Africa on Sunday at the Cairo International Stadium. El-Damati's comments come as a show of support for El-Shenawy, who has had a distinguished career with both Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team.
El-Damati praised El-Shenawy's achievements, highlighting his participation in two World Cups and the Olympics, as well as his dedication to the team. El-Shenawy has had a storied career with Al Ahly and the national team, earning him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike. El-Damati expressed his well-wishes for El-Shenawy's continued success.
The issue began when coach Hossam Hassan made public comments criticizing El-Shenawy. Al Ahly responded with an official statement, which led to El-Damati's intervention to clarify the club's stance. El-Damati reassured that Al Ahly supports its players and is committed to their well-being.
El-Shenawy's contributions to Egyptian football have been significant, with a career spanning many years. He has been an integral part of Al Ahly's success and has represented Egypt in various international competitions. El-Damati's comments reflect the club's appreciation for El-Shenawy's dedication and service.
The Egyptian national team will look to build on their recent performances as they face South Sudan and South Africa in the upcoming matches. With the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching, the team will aim to secure a strong position in their group. The friendly match against South Africa will provide an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategy.
Key points
- Al Ahly's board member Mohamed El-Damati denies reports of requesting players to be exempt from the South Africa friendly match.
