CAIRO: Al Ahly delegation survived a potential plane crash while landing at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, the club’s official website reported on Thursday.
The African champions were making a transit stop in the South African city on their way to Zimbabwe where they will face Highlanders club in the CAF Champions League round of 32.
The problem happened when the pilot of the Egyptian plane approached the airport to land when he found another jet taxiing toward the same runway for takeoff.
The pilot had to abort the landing and circle around until he got confirmation from an air-traffic controller to land again after the runway was cleared.
Fortunately, no one was hurt and Al Ahly’s contingent resumed their trip to Zimbabwe.
Thursday was apparently a lucky day for the winning team; it dominated the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards, which were announced on the same day.
Al Ahly won the Club of the Year, the Coach of the Year – awarded to Manuel Jose and the African Club Competition Player of the Year – awarded to Mohamed Aboutrika.
