Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller has expressed his team’s determination to overcome fierce rivals Zamalek in the CAF Super Cup, acknowledging the challenge ahead but underlining their resolve to win. The highly anticipated encounter between the two Egyptian football giants will take place at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the match, Koller highlighted the intense preparations Al Ahly have undergone, emphasizing that his team is fully focused on securing victory in the one-off match.
“We’ve prepared the players thoroughly and hope to have the support of our fans,” Koller said, quoted by KingFut.
“It’s a one-off match, and we’ll do everything we can to win.
We’re highly motivated to secure the trophy and start the season strong.”
Koller, who has overseen Al Ahly’s preparations in the lead-up to the clash, noted that the final squad selection would be decided after the team’s last training session.
“I’ll finalise the lineup after the last training session,” he added, indicating that tactical decisions would be made based on the players’ performance in the final stages of preparation.
The Swiss manager also addressed the recent departure of Mohamed Abdelmoneim, an important player for Al Ahly in previous seasons.
While acknowledging Abdelmoneim’s exit, Koller made it clear that his attention remains firmly on the players still available in the squad.
“He’s no longer an Al Ahly player.
Our focus is on the players we have, and I wish him the best,” Koller said, ensuring that his team is fully concentrated on the task at hand.
Koller also spoke about the enduring rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek, which has been a defining feature of African football for decades.
He acknowledged that whether the two sides meet in domestic competitions or on the continental stage, Zamalek remains a formidable opponent.
“Whether we face Zamalek in Africa or domestically, they’re always a tough opponent,” he noted.
Al Ahly, the reigning champions of the CAF Champions League, are eager to continue their dominance in African football by adding the CAF Super Cup to their list of achievements.
However, they will need to overcome a Zamalek side equally determined to claim the title.
With both teams vying for the prestigious trophy, the stage is set for an intense battle in Saudi Arabia.
The match will not only mark the start of the season for both clubs but also provide an opportunity to gain early bragging rights in what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the storied Al Ahly-Zamalek rivalry.
