A loss in the Egyptian Cup final to second division side Arab Contractors, succumbing in the Egyptian Premier League to bitter foe SC Zamalek, and most importantly, a pitiful elimination at home vs Al Hilal in the Caf Champions League, left the Red Devils with no choice but to reinforce their squad.
Ahly splashed the cash to sign some of the Egyptian league’s finest stars in response.
They joined an already talented squad that was led by a promising attacker named Mohamed Aboutrika, who had joined the club the winter before.
Ahly s aspirations when approaching the Champions League the next season were to lift the trophy. Manuel Jose s men brushed past giants like Raja Casablanca, Enyimba, and bitter foe Zamalek in the semis to reach the final.