Al Ahly midfielder Mohamed Magdy Afsha says the club’s supporters are justified in feeling disappointed after a trophyless season and believes the Egyptian giants must return to winning ways next campaign.
Afsha has returned to Al Ahly after spending the second half of last season on loan at Al-Ittihad Alexandria, where he produced a series of impressive performances.
The midfielder joined Al-Ittihad in January and helped the Alexandria club avoid relegation after they found themselves in a difficult position in the league.
Reflecting on his time away from Al Ahly, Afsha described the experience as an important one but said his focus is now firmly on helping his parent club challenge for trophies again.
“My time with Al Ittihad Alexandria was special with a great club. Things were difficult because we were in a low position, but we succeeded in staying.”
Afsha’s return comes at a time when Al Ahly are determined to improve after failing to win a major title last season.
The midfielder said the expectation to compete for trophies is fundamental to playing for the Cairo-based club, describing Al Ahly as the biggest club in Africa.
“I am at the biggest club in Africa. I have been at the Red Castle for 7 years. The team always strives to win championships. An Al-Ahly player must have character.”
The 30-year-old stressed that the team cannot afford another season without silverware.
“We must win championships next season. Every coach has his own personality and style. Hussein Ammouta treats me well, there is mutual respect, and the most important thing is the club and the team.”
Afsha also acknowledged that a new coaching approach brings different demands, but said he has developed a positive relationship with coach Hussein Ammouta.
The midfielder believes the team’s collective performance must take priority as Al Ahly attempt to return to the level expected by their supporters.
“It is important that we win championships next season. We did not win titles last season, and this is not the nature of Al-Ahly.”
The comments underline the pressure on the players ahead of the new campaign.
Afsha said the responsibility does not rest with one player or member of the coaching staff, insisting that the entire squad must work together if Al Ahly are to achieve their objectives.
“There is a great responsibility on all the players, we must help each other, next season will be difficult.”
The midfielder also explained that Ammouta has placed particular emphasis on unity within the squad.
“Hussein Ammouta demands that Al Ahly players be united as one, that everyone should play for the team, and he always asks us to focus.”
That message reflects the approach Afsha believes will be necessary as Al Ahly attempt to recover from a campaign in which they failed to add a major trophy to their collection.
The midfielder also recognised the feelings of the club’s supporters, who expect success from one of Africa’s most successful sides.
“Al-Ahly fans have the right to feel sad. It is unacceptable for Al-Ahly to go two seasons without any championships.
Afsha’s comments come as Al Ahly prepare for a new campaign with the expectation of challenging for honours once again.
Having spent part of the previous season away from the club, the midfielder now has the opportunity to establish himself in Ammouta’s plans and contribute to the team’s attempt to regain its winning mentality.
His message is clear: Al Ahly’s standards demand trophies, and the players must respond.
The midfielder believes the squad will face a difficult season but says collective responsibility, unity and concentration will be essential.
For Afsha, the disappointment of last season should provide motivation rather than become a lasting setback.
With supporters demanding a return to success, Al Ahly’s players will enter the new campaign under pressure to deliver the trophies that the club’s history and expectations demand.
