Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane is upbeat that his side will do well as they prepare for the much anticipated African Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Red Eagles and the Brazilians are familiar with each other, having faced off at the same stage in the past two seasons when Mosimane was in-charge of Sundowns.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Mosimane said he is confident that his troops will be able to overcome the test as he looks to continue the process of development by winning the tenth title.
“I believe in my players’ abilities and they have shown that against tough opponents like Bayern Munich and Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup. They also showed a fantastic performance in our two games against Zamalek in the domestic league, which makes me optimistic,” Mosimane said during the pre-match conference.
“My players have the experience needed in these types of games. If we play with Al Ahly spirit like how the team played against Sundowns last year, then I do not have any doubts about my team.
“I know Mamelodi Sundowns very well. They are a strong team and they are contenders for the CAF Champions League title.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We want to achieve a positive result ahead of the second leg in South Africa.”[/perfectpullquote]
Al Ahly captain Mohamed El Shenawy echoed his coach sentiments, declaring his side are full of confidence as the countdown to kick-off continues.
“We are keen to defend our title and our main goal is to win our 10th title in the competition.It will be a difficult match. We faced them in the same stage during the previous two seasons,” said El-Shenawy .
“We want to beat Sundowns and secure a spot in the semi-finals. Tomorrow’s game is the first half of the tie and we hope to achieve a positive result and have an advantage before playing the second half of the tie in South Africa.”
Mosimane will be without the services of Ali Maaloul in Cairo but the influential player will reportedly be fit for the reverse fixture in Atteridgeville next Saturday.
