Al Ahly midfielder Hussein El Shahat has opened up about the deep emotional toll that came with his team’s painful exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Egyptian giants, who have long been a dominant force in African football, were stunned by the South African outfit in a tense knockout clash that saw the Red Devils crash out of the competition earlier than expected. El Shahat, a veteran of many intense African battles, described the defeat as one of the lowest points of his career.
“That match against Sundowns… I can’t explain how I felt. It was the saddest I’ve ever been on a football pitch,” said El Shahat during an interview with a local Egyptian sports channel. “We gave it everything, but sometimes in football, effort is not enough. It hurts more because of what this tournament means to the club and our fans.”
The midfielder also spoke about the mood in the dressing room after the game, revealing that it was filled with silence, tears, and disbelief.
“No one could speak. Everyone just sat with their heads down. We knew what the loss meant — not just for us, but for the millions who support Al Ahly around the world,” he added.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ disciplined and fearless performance saw them outplay the Egyptian heavyweights, earning praise across the continent. While Al Ahly had entered the tie as favourites, Sundowns’ tactical brilliance and energy turned the tide.
Despite the heartbreak, El Shahat expressed confidence that Al Ahly will bounce back stronger next season.
“This club is built on resilience. We’ve come back from tough losses before, and we’ll do it again. This defeat will motivate us to work harder and come back even more determined,” he said.
The midfielder’s emotional reflection highlights the depth of passion and commitment at the heart of African club football — and how crushing a single match can be, especially when continental glory is on the line.
