Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller has made it clear that his side will aim for a second successive victory over Al Hilal Omdurman in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday, April 8.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Mauritania, where the Sudanese side is hosting the return leg due to ongoing instability in Sudan, Koller reaffirmed his team’s desire to build on their 1-0 first-leg win and secure qualification to the semi-finals.
“It’s important in this kind of match to create scoring opportunities, and that’s what we did in the first leg,” said the Swiss coach. “It’s normal in football not to capitalize on every opportunity. We scored a goal and won the match, so we’re satisfied. We’ll try to repeat the victory tomorrow and qualify for the next round.”
Al Ahly, reigning African champions, took the upper hand in the first meeting thanks to a narrow but controlled performance in Cairo.
However, Koller is under no illusion about the challenge that awaits his players in the return leg, particularly as knockout football often delivers surprises.
Despite the change in venue, Koller remains confident his players will handle the conditions well.
Dismissing concerns about the impact of Mauritania’s climate on the squad’s performance, he noted the team’s adaptability and experience in similar environments.
“The weather factor will not have a negative impact, because in Cairo the climate is high, while here it is pleasant,” Koller explained. “The players have enough experience and have already been exposed to these types of conditions.”
With kick-off set for 19:00 GMT, Al Ahly will be looking to draw on their continental pedigree and disciplined style to finish the job against a determined Al Hilal side.
The Sudanese team, trailing by a single goal, are expected to press hard in search of an equaliser, adding an extra layer of intensity to a fixture already brimming with high stakes.
Al Ahly’s pursuit of an 11th CAF Champions League title continues, and with one foot in the semi-finals, Koller and his players are keen to ensure they take the final step with the same intent and precision that brought them this far.
