Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has expressed his surprise and sadness over the sudden departure of Ivorian striker Souleymane Coulibaly, who left without permission from the team's technical staff and without giving a convincing reason. Coulibaly missed Ahly's training session on Thursday, leaving only a message saying he had flown to London for private reasons, as revealed by football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz. "I am shocked at Coulibaly's situation; really I am very shocked," El-Badry said. "Coulibaly has been supported during his short stay with team; we deal with him in a good way and we gave him a chance to play and to introduce himself to the fans. "Ahly players always support Coulibaly and they were happy when he scored, as was I," El-badry said. "We supported Coulibaly when he wasted multiple score chances against Sharqeya and Cotonsport; we always support him. "I hope it was an emergency case that forced Coulibaly to travel; I hope he will return," El-Badry added. "We won't be affected by Coulibaly's leave as Ahly wasn't, and wouldn't be, dependant on one player," the coach said. The 22-year-old Coulibaly, who joined Ahly last winter on a three-and-a-half year deal, scored six league goals after marking his league debut against Dakhleya with a double in early April. Egyptian Premier League title holders Ahly are preparing for Monday's league decider against second-placed Maqassa. The Red Devils only need a draw to formally win the title. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
