Egyptian football giants Al Ahly SC have formally requested a postponement of their upcoming match against Ghanaian champions Medeama SC, citing unforeseen travel complications.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Al Ahly disclosed that their journey from Accra to Kumasi was abruptly halted due to a mechanical malfunction caused by an unexpected collision with the fuselage upon landing for refueling in Accra.
Efforts to resolve the issue and secure an alternative flight proved unsuccessful, leaving the Al Ahly delegation stranded in Accra overnight. Despite their attempts, they were unable to find a suitable alternative to reach Kumasi in time for the match.
As per competition regulations, visiting teams are required to undergo at least one training session at the match venue before matchday. However, due to their delayed arrival, Al Ahly would be unable to fulfill this requirement on Thursday, raising concerns about their physical readiness and potential jet lag.
In light of these challenges, Al Ahly has reached out to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to request a postponement of Friday’s fixture to Saturday. This request aims to ensure both teams have adequate preparation time and are in optimal condition for the crucial encounter.
Currently leading Group D with six points, the defending champions Al Ahly face Medeama SC, who are at the bottom of the group with four points. With two matches remaining to conclude the group stage, the outcome of this encounter holds significant implications for both teams’ progression in the competition.