Fatshimetrie reveals: Al Ahly recently made headlines by unexpectedly postponing the start of their match against TP Mazembe. The team expressed concerns regarding their security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prompting them to seek intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the first leg of the semi-final against TP Mazembe. Al Ahly, who had been in Lubumbashi since April 17, raised issues with the lack of adequate security patrols for their team between the hotel and the stadium, as well as traffic congestion on the route causing delays and logistical complications for the team and staff.
In a letter to CAF, the Egyptian club requested assistance from TP Mazembe to ensure the safety of their players and emphasized the necessity of collaboration between African clubs to ensure optimal conditions during continental competitions. The challenges faced by Al Ahly in accessing training and accommodation locations affected their match preparation, underscoring significant logistical hurdles.
This call for help by Al Ahly not only emphasizes the security concerns but also sheds light on the importance of infrastructure and organizational standards in African football. The obstacles encountered by Al Ahly underscore the significance of providing fair and secure playing environments for all participating clubs to uphold the integrity and prestige of the competition.
Ultimately, Al Ahly’s appeal for intervention highlights the obstacles and complexities that African clubs face in international tournaments, stressing the importance of cooperation and effective coordination among stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of high-level sporting events.