APRIL -Incident: Ahli stuck in Mali With the Port-Said nightmare still in the back of their minds, Ahli squad endured another worrisome experience when they were stranded for two days in Bamako due to a stream of political violence that erupted in the Malian capital. The events – sparked by a counter-coup attempt – curiously coincided with Ahli's Champions League visit to Stade Malien; a 1-0 defeat that summed up the frustration of the whole trip for the Egyptian champs. -Shock: Egyptian FA to sue BBC! In an outrageous – yet ludicrous – claim, the Egyptian FA vowed to take legal action against the BBC! Hardly recognized as a commanding body, the interim FA board accused the media giants of ‘fabricating' an interview with Egypt boss Bob Bradley about his opinion over who is to blame for the Port-Said disaster. -Controversy: Cup off While the majority of clubs were counting on the Egypt Cup as a desperate means of saving the wrecked domestic season, the FA announced that the competition will not take place as well. Much to the disappointment of many football figures, the decision meant that domestic football is undone for the end of the year. -Quote: Mido the son of Zamalek “Mido is one of the sons of Zamalek; it is impossible for him to leave or file a complaint against the club. Everything can be sorted out. I am sure he will remain at Zamalek, even his coaching career after he retires would be through his club," said ex-Zamalek assistant manager Ismail Youssef...one month before Mido was released by the club! -Goal: Ahmed Abdul-Zaher (ENPPI) vs. Lydia (CAF Confederation Cup) MAY -Incident: Shika vs. Shehata A shocking scene starring then-Zamalek star Shikabala, who blew a fuse at manager Hassan Shehata following his substitution in a Champions League game against Maghreb Fes. It was an absolute moment of madness from the controversial number 10, given that Zamalek were on a comfortable 4-0 lead, playing with a man down and there were less than 30 minutes remaining. The ramifications of Shika's rant had a severe impact on Zamalek, who were defeated in their next four games in a row, plus losing their talisman until next season. -Shock: ENPPI stunned to crash out of Africa Leading 3-1 from the first leg, ENPPI still failed to advance past the CAF Confederation Cup last 16 by losing 3-0 at Mali's Cercle Bamako. The drubbing defeat saw the Cairo side miss a first-half penalty that summed up their campaign, putting a disappointing end to their whole season. -Controversy: Ghaly will never play for Ahli! In what was shocking news to the majority of Ahli fans, ex-coach Manuel Jose confirmed that captain Ghaly will not play again for the Reds in the wake of a training ground rift. Even though a totally different comment was expected from Jose following rumors that the duo had patched things up, the Portuguese said: “My personal relationship with Hossam Ghaly is very good, but if I stay as Ahli coach, he will never play again." Fortunately for Ghaly, Jose left his post a few days later! -Quote: Jose fumes “For the first time I am saying this, I changed Egyptian football!" an angry Jose said in response to critics. “I am not showing off, but it is true I have improved Egyptian football in recent years...and now they are criticizing me! “I have won more titles in seven years than all what Zamalek had won." -Goal: Mohamed Abou-Treika (Ahli) vs. Stade Malien (CAF Champions League) JUNE -Incident: Egypt shocked! One of Egypt's all-time lows saw the seven-time African champions lose twice to minnows Central African Republic in the CAN 2013 qualifiers to miss out on the continental showdown for a second year in a row. A devastating 3-2 defeat in Alexandria - Egypt's first at home since 2004 - was followed by another 2-1 away loss, leaving the Pharaohs without competitive football for quite some time. -Shock: Zidan-Shennawi bust-up As Egypt geared up for a World Cup qualifier in Guinea, a shameful scene marred the Pharaohs camp when Zidan and Ahmed Al-Shennawi were caught fighting by cameras in training. -Controversy: Zidan walkaway Zidan was at the center of another saga when he suddenly left Egypt's camp ahead of the second leg in Central African Republic, citing his ‘search for a new club' as an excuse. The then-unattached striker was fined, banned by the FA and has never been recalled since his infamous walkaway. Quote: Mido and the successful Barnsley! “I don't feel I have anything to prove. I want to come here and do my best for the Club and work hard. I think Barnsley has everything to be successful," said Mido after joining Championship side Barnsley. Mido (with nothing to prove) has played 28 minutes so far for Barnsley, who are second from bottom despite ‘having everything to be successful'! -Goal: Alhassane Bangoura (Guinea) vs. Egypt
