Orlando Pirates, nicknamed the Buccaneers descended on the Egyptian capital with hordes of fans and coach Roger de Sa told Cafonline.com that there is all to play for and his charges will be go all out to emulate the team of 1995, “We are expecting a tough encounter and Ahly will have the support of their fans, something that has not happened for a while. They are at home and will feel they have the edge. We have relished playing away from home and the boys have coped well on tough away games, so the combination of these factors sets up a thrilling encounter” said Roger de Sa
Pirates have been forced into changes after the suspension of key players Happy Jele and Andile Jali but coach and players believe they will still put up a team strong enough to challenge Ahly.
 |
| Champions League Trophy (CAF) |
Al Ahly for their part are happy that four of their keys players will be available to play after fears of various injuries. Earlier in the week, Mohammed Aboutrika scorer of Ahly ‘s goal last week in Soweto, South Africa, Walid Soliman, Ahmed Fathi and Emad Moteab were said to be nursing injuries but they are all expected to be available for Sunday’s game according to news from Al Ahly.
Meanwhile Pirates striker Lennox Bacela had been reflective about the first leg encounter and saying that the teams' and his approach on Sunday will be different. “We did not get much success out of our attempts to breakdown their defence during the Soweto match. The chances we created we also did not do justice to them and that what we have been working on. Ahly has massive experience in these matches and in this tournament and it is not going to be an easy game at all. We believe we can get a positive result on Sunday and will certainly use our speed and skill to unlock Ahly on Sunday. Said Becela
Al Ahly will be going for an eighth title while Pirates will be seeking their second win. The winner on Sunday will not only pocket US $1, 5 million dollars but earn the ticket to represent African at next month’s FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Morocco. Africa will have two club sides at this tournament with, Raja Casablanca (winners of Morocco league) already qualified.
Al Ahly will have a special visitor in the stands with news that former “Red Devil” coach, Portuguese Manuel Jose returns to Cairo to watch the final match. Under Jose Al Ahly reached four consecutive Champions League finals from 2005 to 2008, winning all but the 2007 final.
So whether the presence of Manuel Jose or the memory of Buccaneers’ historic away win to ASEC MIMOSAS in 1995 will provide the extra drive and spur “Red Devils” or “Sea Robbers” by end of Sunday we will know who 2013 Orange CAF Champions League winner is.
Source: Cafonline
No comments:
Post a Comment