Yanga, Al Ahly draw battle lines

CAIRO: YOUNG Africans coach Miguel Gamondi and Al Ahly trainer Marcel Koller have predicted a tough CAF Champions League (CAF CL) match ahead of their clash at Cairo International Stadium today.

The duo interface in the last group D encounter with each targeting to register a win in order to finish the group stage mission at the peak of the bar.

Interestingly, both sides have already qualified for the CAF CL quarter-finals as such, it is a battle to establish a side that will command Group D standings.

“We know that it will be a tough match even though we have both made it into the quarter-finals…we need to play with determination to win the game,” Gamondi said.

He added that they have had enough time to scrutinise their opponents and are now aware of what to do to suppress them at their own place.

His centre-back Ibrahim Bacca also reiterated that the morale among them is high and that they are all looking forward to the big match.

“We want to end the group stage campaign positively by winning the game so that we get a chance to begin our last eight fixtures at the away venue,” he said.

Moreover, Bacca said the first leg match between them in Dar es Salaam that ended 1-1 is a proof that they can stamp success and grab the maximum points back home.

On his part, Al Ahly’s coach Koller also reiterated that his team is well prepared and that their main goal is to win the last Group D assignment.

“We are facing a difficult team, they have been competitive in their matches but for us, our top priority is to emerge winners and that is what we have been training for,” he said.

As it stands, Al Ahly top the table with 9 points after five matches seconded by Yanga who have bagged 8 points from the same number of outings while CR Belouizdad are third with 5 points and Madeama sit bottom with 4 points.

Yanga have so far scored 9 goals and conceded 5 goals while the Egyptian side has netted 5 goals and conceded one goal in the process.

Third-placed CR Belouizdad converted 4 goals and conceded 6 goals while Madeama netted 3 goals and allowed 9 goals past their defence.