Al Ahly coach apologises after Sundowns thrashing

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Ah Ahly coach Martin Lasarte

Al Ahly coach Martin Lasarte apologised to the club’s supporters following their humiliating defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

The Brazilians stunned the record eight-time champions 5-0 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in the first leg of their Caf Champions League quarter-final clash on Saturday.

Goal from Themba Zwane, Wayne Arendse, Ricardo Nascimento, Gaston Sirino and Phakamani Mahlambi handed the Cairo Red Devils their heaviest defeat in a Caf match, leaving them with virtually no chance in the return leg next week.

Lasarte admits that his side’s performance was not up to their normal standard, but he insists that he will rectify their mistake before the return leg.

‘We had a very bad match today, and we need to work hard in the coming period to fix many things,’ Lasarte told the Ahly website.

‘I apologise to Ahly fans, both those who were at the stadium or following via television. There is no time to talk about anything now, and we only have to work and focus on what is ahead.

‘We watched a lot of games of our opponents, but things didn’t go our way during the game. This is football. Saad Samir’s injury has affected us, especially that he has a very big experience.’

Al Ahly are set to welcome Mamelodi Sundowns to the Borg El Arab Stadium when the two sides lock horns in the return leg on Saturday, with kick-off set for 6pm.