The hype surrounding Ahli's ongoing poor run is normal but their fans should not panic because there is no room for invincibility in football. Hundreds of phone calls from the ever-demanding and angry supporters have been swarming sports talk shows during the past few days, bemoaning the 'crisis' of Ahli after a string of disappointing results in the domestic league and African Champions League. It is true the Red Devils are suffering from numerous problems, including the below-par form of the ageing players, lack of depth in the squad and the inability of close-season arrivals to blossom. Such problems resulted in a dismal run that allowed Zamalek to top the Egyptian Premier League in an attempt to dethrone arch rivals Ahli, champions of Egypt for the past six successive seasons and Africa's undisputed number one club. But, logically thinking, Ahli would have faced that phase anyway, simply because no club prevail forever. They have been the dominant force in Egypt and Africa since 2004, dismantling their competitors far too easily with the help of prominent figures such as Mohamed Abou-Treika, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Barakat, Emad Meteb and Ahmed Hassan. During that glorious reign, Ahli won six league titles, two Egyptian Cups and three African Champions League accolades among other minor triumphs.
Ahli would have faced that phase anyway, simply because no club prevail forever They are now in an expected transitional stage after the likes of Abou-Treika and Barakat lost their agility to let the livelier Zamalek, who are packed with young and enthusiastic players, outshine them. Ahli's trophy-laden cabinet will not be affected if the club end this season empty-handed and they will retain their reputation as the most successful club in the region regardless of the outcome of one, two or even three seasons. So why are the fans that angry? They should play another role that is to ease pressure on Ahli's board of directors and give it sufficient time to settle a new permanent coach, who will naturally need time to instill a new winning formula. Interim coach Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' is also under immense pressure that would do the club no favor in their aim to end a four-match winless streak. With a Cairo derby against Zamalek looming, the fans should be aware that a loss is on the cards and it would not be a disaster if it happened. Ahli fans reveled in the huge and unprecedented success of the past six years and time has come for them to stand by their team and show support.
