Spanish liaison
In the match dubbed a promotion for Egypt's 2010 World Cup campaign, Ahly regained composure and made its point. Eric Asomugha reports
The 1-0 triumph over Spanish giants Real Madrid is the freshest image in the minds of Ahly fans this week, but the team's massacre at the hands of Real Sociedad in Spain last Saturday remains hard to push aside.
The visitors and former African champions were in Spain to strengthen their squad -- part of extremely long-term planning for the 2010 World Cup. Under a new Portuguese coach, Antonio Oliveira, and before a scanty gathering of spectators -- including Egypt's leading showbiz icon, actress Yousra, and the unmistakable Hassan Hamdi -- Ahly played under a new formation.
At the end of 90 minutes of light action, the formation had seemingly held up -- Ahly forcing the host to a 1-1 draw. But the formation's one crack ultimately came, with Ahly losing 4-3 on penalties. Hadi Kashaba, Yesr Radwan and Wael Riad securing their kicks, while Ibrahim Said and Wael Gomaa fell short.
Real Sociedad made the first dangerous move in the early minutes of the first half, forcing Ahly to retreat back to their shell -- where they remained for most of the half. Taking the opportunity, Bittor Alkiza and Lee Chun Soo had a field day operating freely from midfield and right flank, before Mohamed Omara and Angolan international Gilberto curtailed their actions.
Despite not showing any immediate threat, Ahly came out sparingly to attack. In the 25th minute -- Mohamed Fadl in a solo move into the opponent's half -- mesmerised his challengers and forced a defensive error that almost gave Ahly the lead. Minutes later, Khaled Bibo broke away from the right to find Gouda, whose calculated pass to Fadl a front the goal was quickly intercepted by Real.
Ahly's defence was caught napping in the fourth minute of second half, leaving the Darko Kovacevi to beat the goalkeeper easily for Real Sociedad's only field goal.
Sixteen minutes later at the opposite end, it was a race of the fastest, as Wael Riad -- who collected a cross from the centre circle -- out paced his tailgating defenders before sending a faked shot to the left corner of the net for Ahly's equaliser.
Two early substitutions after the break, Ibrahim Said for Gilberto and Ahmed Hosny for Fadl, gave life to Ahly's defensive midfield.
In his trademark style, Ibrahim Said charged forward from behind, playing a pivotal role in distributing the ball for his colleagues to attack. His powerful free kick sailed inches over the bar.
Determined to break Ahly's defence after the goal and secure a winner, two immediate changes made by Sociedad did little to destabilise the visitors -- who seemed content with the score in light of their last week loss.
