Al Ahly Coach Highlights Key Factor To Overcome Sundowns
Al Ahly coach Marcell Koller has pinpointed a fundamental factor he believes will work in his team’s favor against Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final clash at Cairo International Stadium on Friday (18:00).
The Red Devils and the Brazilians couldn’t be separated in the tie’s first leg as they settled for a goalless stalemate in Pretoria. While the Egyptians have a home ground advantage, Masandawana will be forced to dig deep in a hostile reception.
The Swiss tactician believes the return leg will be a fiery contest with all to play for following the draw in the first meeting. They look to utilize their 75,000-seater stadium to great effect in a bid to get over the line in regulation time.
“The first leg ended in a goalless draw, which makes the second leg even more intense. Each team has a chance, but we are confident in our ability to win on our home turf and in front of our huge fans, whose encouragement and continued support we rely on for the players,” said Koller in the pre-match press conference as quoted by an Egyptian publication.
“We have a clear and specific goal, which is to win. We don’t want a score draw scenario that would give the opponent the advantage, and we don’t want a goalless draw that would take us to penalty kicks.”
Koller says they want to avoid taking the encounter to a penalty shootout due to the uncertain outcome of penalties and the shot-stopping prowess of the Tshwane giants’ goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who has come clutch in several shootouts.
“Penalty kicks have their calculations, and Sundowns’ goalkeeper is distinguished, but we have a great goalkeeper in Mohamed El Shenawy, who has saved many penalties. I expect our opponents to perform strongly,” he added.
“Therefore, we will play to win only, regardless of the results of the previous matches against Sundowns. Our focus is entirely on Friday’s match.”
The 64-year-old mentor, who guided the reigning champions to two consecutive CAF Champions League titles since joining the club in September 2022, is banking on Al Ahly’s continental experience in high-stakes matches – a key area he believes will give the Egyptians the edge over Sundowns.
“Sundowns are a strong, organized team, with distinguished players, but Al Ahly players possess the experience and determination to achieve what they are required to achieve. Everyone in the team is working toward one goal, to please the fans by qualifying for the final,” Koller continued.
“Every match has its circumstances, and our goal is to score and win. The players are aware of the magnitude of the challenge, and we will do our utmost best to overcome this difficult phase and move one step closer to our preferred continental title.”
