CAF Champions League: Ex-Egypt star Mido slams officiating after Al Ahly’s defeat to Esperance

Former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam “Mido” has criticised Esperance of Tunisia’s performance despite the team securing a 1-0 win over Al Ahly in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final clash on Sunday.

The Tunisian side claimed a narrow advantage in the encounter, but Mido believes they missed a major opportunity to put the tie beyond reach before the return leg.

Taking to the X platform, the former striker analysed the events of the match and shared his prediction for the decisive second leg.

According to Mido, Esperance failed to fully capitalise on their dominance during the game and could have secured a far more comfortable advantage.

He argued that the Tunisian giants had the easiest chance to overcome Al Ahly but did not take advantage of their superiority on the pitch by scoring more goals.

The former Tottenham forward also warned that sides of Al Ahly’s stature rarely allow missed opportunities to go unpunished.

He stated, “Al-Ahly will win by two goals in Cairo.”

Al Ahly will now need at least a one-goal victory to level the tie and force a penalty shootout, or secure a two-goal win to progress directly when both teams meet again at Cairo Stadium next Saturday.

For Esperance, a draw of any scoreline in the return leg would be enough to secure qualification, while even a one-goal defeat could still see them advance, provided it is not a clean sheet loss.