Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta has refused to rank the Cairo derby between Al-Ahly and Zamalek above the Casablanca rivalry between Wydad Athletic Club and Raja Casablanca, insisting that both fixtures have their own appeal.
Ammouta shared his views after experiencing the Al-Ahly–Zamalek derby for the first time on Sunday, when Al-Ahly secured a 2-0 victory over their arch-rivals in the Egyptian Premier League.
The Moroccan coach, who previously managed Wydad, praised the atmosphere created by supporters in Cairo but explained why the Casablanca derby remains particularly special to him.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Ammouta highlighted the role of fans in making such encounters memorable.
“The fans are the secret to the success of derby matches everywhere,” he said.
He praised the displays staged by Al-Ahly and Zamalek supporters before and during the match, describing the atmosphere as impressive.
However, he pointed to the large crowds and colourful displays associated with the Casablanca derby as reasons for its distinctive appeal.
“The Al-Ahly and Zamalek fans presented wonderful artistic paintings before and during today’s match. However, I think that the Casablanca derby has a special flavour,” Ammouta said.
“The fans are always present in large numbers, reaching 60 or 65 thousand spectators, and you can see the paintings presented by the fans.”
Despite expressing his affection for the Moroccan rivalry, Ammouta was unwilling to declare either fixture superior.
“I cannot prefer one derby over another,” he added with a smile.
Ammouta reflects on derby pressure
Asked which rivalry had placed him under greater pressure, Ammouta said intense expectations were an unavoidable part of managing or playing for a major club.
“Pressure is always present in derby matches. Any coach or player who wants to avoid pressure and cannot bear it cannot play in a high-level team or compete for titles,” he said.
Ammouta is familiar with the Casablanca derby from his two spells in charge of Wydad, during which the club recorded victories over Raja, including a 1-0 win in April 2017 and a 2-1 triumph in October 2022.
His latest comments offered a perspective shaped by experience in both Moroccan and Egyptian football, while highlighting the supporters’ role in defining the character of each rivalry.
Al-Ahly move top after derby victory
Al-Ahly’s win over Zamalek took them to 16 points at the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings, temporarily moving them ahead of Pyramids FC, who had 15 points before their scheduled fixture against Ceramica Cleopatra.
The result gave Al-Ahly bragging rights in one of African football’s most prominent rivalries, but Ammouta’s remarks made clear that his admiration for the Cairo derby does not diminish his attachment to the spectacle in Casablanca.
