CAF Champions League: Al Ahly Ready for Horoya clash

Al Ahly coach Patrice Carteron says his team is very ready for first-leg, CAF Champions League quarter-final match against Horoya AC that will be played tonight at Stade du 28 Septembre Stadium in Conakry.

The Red Devils, who are undoubtedly the most successful club in the continent, having won 20 different CAF trophies, including eight in the elite CAF Champions League, will be hoping to replicate their past performances when they meet the Guinean side at their backyard.

The Egyptians finished top of group A ahead of Esperance of Tunisia while Horoya beat 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa to go second in group C behind title holders Wydad.

Speaking ahead of the game, Carteron said his team is ready for the match and urged his players to rise to the occasion.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Facing Horoya is not going to be an easy mission at all. We are going to face a tough opponent and this needs us to be fully focused.”[/perfectpullquote]

“We respect all opponents, and we’re looking forward to getting a good away result before hosting the return leg in Egypt.”

The Frenchman, who was appointed as Red Devils coach last June, will be missing services of his three key players: Amr Elsoleya, Mido Gaber and forward Junior Ajayi due to various injuries, but the gaffer doesn’t look disturbed.

“Our target is nothing but the title, so we have to play every game to win. We will have the replacements for our absentees, and I’m sure we will make Ahly supporters happy”, Carteron added.

Both teams will meet again next week for a return leg fixture. The winner, on aggregate points, will advance to the semifinals for a clash against either title holders Wydad or Algeria’s ES Setif.