Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane greets the supporters after the semi final soccer match between Al Ahly SC and Bayern Munich at the FIFA Club World Cup in Al Rayyan, Qatar, 08 February 2021. EPA/NOUSHAD THEKKAYIL
Al Ahly accept Mamelodi Sundowns’ apology to both club and Pitso Mosimane
Al Ahly have accepted Mamelodi Sundowns’ apology after the SA side’s fans’ despicable behaviour prior to their CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg encounter.
Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane greets the supporters after the semi final soccer match between Al Ahly SC and Bayern Munich at the FIFA Club World Cup in Al Rayyan, Qatar, 08 February 2021. EPA/NOUSHAD THEKKAYIL
Al Ahly have accepted Mamelodi Sundowns’ apology after the South African side’s fans’ despicable behaviour prior to their CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg encounter.
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Al Ahly beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on aggregate in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals as they reached the semi-final stage for the 17th time in the club’s history.
A 2-0 victory in the first-leg in Cairo was followed by a 1-1 draw in Pretoria as Al Ahly will now face Esperance Tunis in the semi-finals in June.
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As they approached the Lucas Moripe Stadium ahead of the match, Al Ahly’s team bus was met by a group of Mamelodi Sundowns fans who hindered their progress.
The supporters held aloft a number of banners which insulted their former coach Pitso Mosimane and shouted abusive chants towards the man who led the side to more than 10 domestic and continental titles, as well as his family.
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Pitso Mosimane is now the coach of Al Ahly.
Following the unsavory incident, the Mamelodi Sundowns board deplored the actions and issued an official apology to their Egyptian counterparts.
In their statement they confirmed that an investigation will be held to identify the culprits and necessary actions will be taken against those deemed guilty.
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Pitso Mosimane’s agency, MT Sports, rejected the Masandawana’s apology after they failed to make mention of Mosimane’s name in it as well as his family.
However, Al Ahly had a different stance, stating that they appreciated the South African side’s gesture.
The Red Devils assured that they have no intention to file any complaints against them as a sign of mutual respect.
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Additionally, they promised not to let the incident affect the strong relationship between both clubs and current CAF president and former Mamelodi Sundowns chairperson, Patrice Motsepe.
While they stated that Mosimane deserved a better reception, they hoped that what happened wouldn’t affect the two-time CAF Champions League champion’s relationship with his former club.
