Al Ahly striker Coulibaly fined for travelling without permission

Ahly striker Souleymane Coulibaly has missed Thursday’s training session without the management’s consent as it turned out that the Ivorian forward had flown to London.

Holding out their first training session following their 2-0 Champions League victory at Cotonsport in Garoua last Tuesday, the Reds’ management was surprised when they found out that Coulibaly was not available.

It turned out that the 22-year-old striker had travelled to London citing ‘private reasons’ as revealed by football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz.

“Coulibaly sent me a message saying that he had to travel to London for private reasons,” Abdel-Hafiz told reporters on Thursday.

“He told me he will reveal the reasons behind his surprise departure when he returns, but we completely refuse such an act.

“He will be subject to a hefty fine for leaving without our permission.”

After struggling for playing time following his arrival in January, Coulibaly – on a three-and-a-half year deal – silenced critics who questioned his abilities with six league goals after marking his league debut against Dakhleya with a double early in April.

League leaders and defending champions Ahly are currently preparing for Monday’s clash with rivals and second-placed Maqassa, where the Cairo giants only need a draw to formally win the title.