Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns are set to face off in the crucial second leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Cairo International Stadium on Friday evening, with the tie finely balanced following a goalless draw in the first leg.
With a place in the final at stake, both teams enter the return fixture aware that a single moment could define their continental campaigns. Al Ahly will enjoy home advantage, and head coach Marcel Koller is urging his players to remain focused and composed as they prepare for the decisive showdown.
“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, reflecting on the first leg. “There’s still another half to be played in Cairo, and we must stay highly focused in the second leg to reach the final.”
The Swiss tactician also underscored the value of creating goal-scoring opportunities over dominating possession. “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,” he added.
Mamelodi Sundowns, meanwhile, travel to Cairo knowing that an away goal could be pivotal. Head coach Miguel Cardoso remains confident despite the pressure of playing in front of a passionate Al Ahly crowd.
“I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn’t lose to them in this match [first leg],” Cardoso stated. “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 also expressed disappointment over the subdued fan turnout at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria during the first leg, calling for greater support on such a grand stage.
“I am very happy that our fans helped us, but it is so sad to see such a beautiful stadium almost empty when you have a semi-final of the Champions League,” he said. “We should have a full stadium, supporting us, giving us the extra energy, that two or three percent pushes you to be in front.”
