CAF Champions League: It’s a premature win against Al Ahly – Esperance captain Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida

Esperance captain Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida has hailed his team’s 1-0 victory over Al Ahly in the first leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Ben Hamida praised his players’ performance and mental resilience.

“Thank God for the victory, I thank the players; they did not fall short,” he said.

“A premature final against Al Ahly, one of the most prestigious teams in Africa.

“The match required a great deal of mental focus, and we have a return leg in Egypt in a week. I hope the players will be ready.

“We followed the technical director’s instructions and did not take advantage of all the opportunities that came our way, but as I said, we have a second leg in Egypt.

The skipper noted that while the team did not capitalize on every chance, they strictly followed the coach’s instructions.

He also expressed gratitude to the fans: “I thank the fans who supported us after the great celebrations and the encouragement that made the players appear in a distinctive manner and presence, and we must continue to focus for another week in order to qualify from Egypt.”

The second leg will take place next Saturday at Cairo International Stadium, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.