ES Setif’s President to Al Ahly: It is Not Over Yet

Entente Sportive Setif’s president Hassan Hammar hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet despite his Algerian outfit’s 2-0 defeat to Al Ahly in the first leg of the Total CAF Champions League.

Two goals, the first from Walid Soliman in the 23^rd minute and the second via Islam Mohareb, got the Cairo Red Devils putting a foot into the Champions League finals as they target a 9^th continental gong.

However, Hammar isn’t anticipating seeing that feat on the surface anytime soon and wishes Ahly’s party is ruined.

“We did not expect this defeat but I would say that the inexperience of our young players has played a bad trick.  I think that’s what made the difference. What you need to know, however, is that there was a first run that was to the advantage of Al Ahly and there is a second that will be played in Setif and we hope that it will be in our advantage God-willing,” he said.

On Setif’s chances in the second-leg billed or October 23^rd, Hassan was bullish.

“The most important is qualifying and to my knowledge, Al Ahly is not yet qualified. It will be played out at home and we will do everything to reverse the situation. It is not over yet,” he continued.

Before the CL make or break encounter, the Algerians have three domestic league games to measure up to in seventeen days all being tough ones against MC Oran, CS Constantine and Olympique Medea.

The chairman insists ES players have moved on from the Cairo defeat and are rather buoyed up for the pulsating CL clash.