A former Al Ahly star has openly criticised both the players and the former coach, expressing his dissatisfaction with the team's performance in their match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Red Devils were unable to advance to the CAF Champions League final after being eliminated on the away goal rule in the semi-finals against the Betway Premiership reigning champions.
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Ahly and Masandawana ended their first leg in a goalless stalemate at the Loftus Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw at the Cairo International Stadium.
Following their exit from the tournament, Abdel Hafeez has asserted that Marcel Koller’s team did not meet the standards of previous seasons, as he believes Sundowns were not at their peak to secure victory in the tie.
"Al Ahly's exit is somewhat humiliating, not because of the result, as it can happen in football, but because it was possible to achieve a record by reaching the Champions League final for the sixth consecutive time, which has never happened before," Hafiz said per Ysscores.com.
"The match against Sundowns and the exit turns the spotlight on Koller; Al Ahly played against Koller three times against Zamalek, all of which ended in draws, and twice against Pyramids ended in draws, and against Sundowns six times, Al Ahly has never won with Koller.
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"This is the second time in their history that Sundowns eliminates you from the knockout stages, but today they deserve to surpass Al Ahly, and you helped them with that, the absence of the champion's identity and the aggression of Al Ahly players," he added.
"Sundowns is not at their best version, but by coincidence, every time they reached the final, it was against Egyptian teams."
Ahly have subsequently dismissed the 64-year-old coach after the Champions League unwanted outcome, with club legend Emad El Nahas expected to take temporary charge.
