Danish manager questions penalty decision, highlights lack of VAR as Ahly maintain top spot in Group B

Jess Thorup

Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup says his team’s 1-1 draw away to FAR Rabat on Friday is a satisfactory outcome, given the difficulty of their CAF Champions League group and the circumstances surrounding the match.

Ahly were held by the Moroccan side in the second round of the group stage, but Thorup stressed that the result was fair.

“We knew how difficult the game would be. The draw is acceptable amid the surrounding circumstances. Both teams had chances, but the game ended level,”
the Danish manager said in his post-match press conference.

Thorup unhappy with penalty, absence of VAR

The Ahly coach questioned the penalty decision awarded against his team and once again expressed frustration with the lack of VAR in the group stage.

“The penalty against us wasn’t convincing. As I said before, the absence of VAR has a big effect. I don’t want to focus on refereeing mistakes, but there were two clear and influential errors that cost us a lot.”

Group still wide open

The draw keeps Ahly at the top of Group B on five points — level with Tanzania’s Young Africans, who sit second on goal difference.
FAR Rabat and Algeria’s JS Kabylie both have one point, with FAR sitting third.

Thorup praised his side’s improved second-half performance, especially under pressure from the home crowd. However, he criticised some supporters for throwing bottles onto the pitch.

“We came to win, but sometimes circumstances force you to accept a point away from home. The most important thing is that we did not lose.”

A very tough group

Thorup believes this is one of the strongest and most challenging Champions League groups in recent years.

“Any team coming to Morocco will face similar difficulties. My focus now is on improving our performance and preparing strongly for the coming rounds.”

Ahly, 12-time African champions, opened their group campaign with a 4-1 win over JS Kabylie. The club is chasing a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League title after being knocked out by Mamelodi Sundowns in last season’s semi-finals.

They host Young Africans next on 23 January.