The president of Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club has confirmed that players will receive financial bonuses if they secure victory in their next Egyptian Premier League relegation play-off fixture, underlining the importance of the match in the club’s fight for survival.
Speaking ahead of the decisive encounter, Mohamed Salama revealed that payments would be tied to the outcome of Sunday’s game against Haras El-Hodoud. The match is scheduled to take place at Borg El Arab Stadium as part of the fifth round of the relegation play-off stage.
Salama explained the reasoning behind the decision during an interview with ON Sport, making it clear that the club is prioritising results at a critical stage of the season.
“Afsha asked to pay the bonus for winning against Zed after the match? After winning against Zed, I told the players that we would pay the bonuses if we win against Haras El-Hodoud in the next match.”
High Stakes in Relegation Battle
The club’s president emphasised the significance of the upcoming fixture, describing it as a turning point in their campaign to avoid dropping into a lower division.
He explained, “Because it’s an important match worth 6 points, as we are ahead of them in the standings, and if we win, we will move away from the relegation zone.”
Al-Ittihad currently sit eighth in the relegation group standings with 26 points, a position that leaves little margin for error. Victory against Haras El-Hodoud would provide a crucial cushion and improve their chances of survival.
Late Winner Boosts Confidence
The Alexandria-based side head into the match on the back of a morale-boosting win over Zed FC. The 2-1 victory came in dramatic fashion, with Mohamed Magdy Afsha scoring the decisive goal in the closing stages.
That result not only strengthened Al-Ittihad’s position in the standings but also injected renewed belief into the squad ahead of their next challenge.
Zed FC, meanwhile, remain in a comparatively stronger position, sitting third in the same group with 33 points.
New Manager Begins Tenure
The win over Zed also marked the first match in charge for newly appointed head coach Miloud Hamdi. His arrival signals a fresh approach as the club attempts to navigate the pressures of the relegation phase.
Hamdi’s immediate impact, coupled with the late winner, has raised optimism within the camp. However, the test against Haras El-Hodoud is expected to be a sterner examination of both tactical organisation and mental resilience.
Focus Shifts to Survival
With only a handful of matches remaining in the play-off stage, every point carries significant weight. The decision to link bonuses to results highlights the urgency surrounding Al-Ittihad’s situation.
Players will now head into Sunday’s fixture knowing that both financial incentives and the club’s top-flight status are on the line.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Defining Fixture
Al-Ittihad’s battle against relegation has entered a decisive phase, with the upcoming match against Haras El-Hodoud likely to shape the remainder of their season. The promise of bonuses reflects both the stakes involved and the club’s determination to retain its place in the league. For players and staff alike, the challenge is clear: deliver results when it matters most.
