Al Ahly will be looking to use their home ground advantage in the CAF Champions League semifinals, when they lock horns with Mamelodi Sundowns at the Cairo International Stadium for the second leg on Friday evening.
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Kick-off is at 6pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
The two sides met for the first leg at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa last weekend and played to a goalless draw. Sundowns have hit a bit of a slump domestically, as they were knocked out of the Nedbank Cup by Kaizer Chiefs.
On the other hand, Al Ahly lost their most recent Egyptian League Cup clash 2-1 against Pharco and are trailing Pyramids by four points in second place in the Egyptian Premier League table.
WHAT WAS SAID
Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller was not too disappointed with the goalless draw in the first clash and believes his players can finish the job in Cairo.
“We didn’t allow the opponent to control the game. We are fully aware that this match represents only half of the current stage," Koller said.
"There’s still another half to be played in Cairo, and we must stay highly focused in the second leg to reach the final.
“Possession is not important if it doesn’t lead to any benefit. Al Ahly created several chances, one of them hit the crossbar. And we were more dangerous overall.”
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says that he believes they can still beat Al Ahly in the Champions League and brave harsh conditions in Cairo on Friday.
“I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn't lose to them in this match [first leg]. There is a lot to be played for still and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch,” Cardoso said.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Emam Ashour, Al Ahly – The midfielder is a joint top-scorer in the CAF Champions League this season and the Egyptians will be looking to the 27-year-old to provide the offensive threat needed to advance to the final.
Peter Shalulile, Mamelodi Sundowns – Known for his lethal accuracy in front of goal and with three Champions League goals to his name, the Namibian striker could pose a threat to the Al Ahly defence should he start this match.