Percy Tau breaks 12-month goal-scoring drought in Egypt

Percy Tau broke his league goal drought to score Al Ahly’s opener in the comfortable 2-0 win over Ghazl El-Mahalla.

Tau’s Ahly faced Ghazl in an Egyptian Premier League game at the Ghazl El Mahala Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Tau, without a league goal since November 2021, answered his critics in the 17th minute with a smart finish.

In recent games, the former Mamelodi Sundowns star had been dropped to the bench by new coach Marcel Koller.

On Wednesday, he played 75 minutes after making his first start and notching his first goal of the season.

The strike is expected to give the highly-rated attacker a massive confidence boost.

Before Wednesday’s encounter, Tau had not seen much game time. His situation left Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos worried ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Liberia in March next year.

In fact, since Pitso Mosimane’s departure at the Cairo giants, Tau has somewhat looked out of place in Egypt.

FITNESS AND INJURY ISSUES

The 28-year-old sustained a severe thigh injury but recovered before the start of the Egyptian season. He is back to full fitness after struggling for several months.

In the 2022/23 season, Tau has only played 108 minutes after coming on as a late substitute in three matches.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion forward scoring and playing 75 minutes will please Broos. The Belgian believes a fully fit Tau will transform Bafana’s attack.

Broos advised him to leave Al Ahly in January if he’s not going to get game time. He said Tau agreed that he couldn’t play for the national team until he regularly features at club level.

Tau has been excluded by Broos in Bafana camps due to injuries and lack of playing minutes at Al Ahly.

He was signed by Mosimane at Ahly on a three-year deal from EPL side Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2021.

Tau and Mosimane worked together at Downs and won the Caf Champions League in 2016.

In Ahly colours, Tau has featured in 36 games, scoring eight goals and providing six assists.

His contract at the Egyptian side is set to expire in June 2024.

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