CAF Champions League: Only big teams are into the quarterfinals – Al Ahly coach

Al Ahly SC head coach Jess Thorup believes the business end of the CAF Champions League now belongs exclusively to heavyweights, as his side gears up for a blockbuster quarter-final showdown.

The draw, conducted earlier this week, paired the Egyptian giants with Tunisian champions Espérance Sportive de Tunis in a tie that revives memories of their 2024 final meeting — a two-legged contest Al Ahly edged to lift the continental crown.

Thorup welcomed the scheduling of the fixture, expressing satisfaction that his team will host the decisive second leg in Cairo.

“I’m happy that we start the first game away, so we can finish up in our own great stadium in the last game,” Thorup said, as per CAF Online.

“For me, it’s a very good thing that the first leg will be on their field. And therefore, the second leg will be on our field, in our stadium, in front of our fans.”

Despite topping their group during the preliminary phase, the Danish tactician was quick to stress that past achievements count for little at this stage of the tournament.

“It was nice to be number one in the group, but now this is the past,” he said. “Now we’re looking forward to the quarter-finals.”

“Only big teams left in this competition.

“All the teams in the quarter-finals are strong. And if you want to win the trophy, you have to win against every opponent.

“Yes, it’s going to be a tough game. We know this. But we are very much looking forward to this game.”

With continental pedigree on both sides and recent history adding extra spice, the tie promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-final round.