A few minutes after the break, the Ahli stands suddenly turned red after fans cooperatively lit fireworks, only for referee Ali Kalyango to stop the game following the injury of a ZESCO player.

“We are not happy with what happened. In the end, Ahli will be the only loser when a sanction is imposed,” said Egypt and Ahli defense star Wael Gomaa.

“What’s happening in our fields is getting over the line. I am urging the fans to remain calm in order to avoid any problem.”

Striker Osama Hosni agreed with his teammate, saying: “It was bad and dangerous. Thank God for the win, but we do not accept what happened in the stands.”

Sayed Moawad concluded the comments of his colleagues, hoping that African football governing body CAF will go easy on his team.

“This is unacceptable. I hope we won’t end up playing games outside our home ground,” said the Egypt international.

Television cameras caught Ahli vice-chairman Mahmoud Al-Khatib while waving his head in dismay during the few minutes of stoppage.

The incident