CAF Champions League: We lacked precision against Esperance – Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup says his side lacked precision following their defeat against Esperance.

The Egyptian side suffered a 1-0 loss against the Tunisian side in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League on Sunday night.

Algerian defender Mohamed Amine Tougai scored the only goal from a penalty spot.

“We controlled the ball at times during the match, and we played good football in the second half, but we did not create chances in the opponent’s penalty area,” Thorup said after the game.

“We lacked precision in the Esperance penalty area, and we didn’t create any real chances. This match was 50-50 for each team before the referee decided to award a penalty to Esperance.

“The fans create the atmosphere, but we are not happy about the second leg match, as I wished there were 80,000 in the second leg because they are our 12th player.

“We have confidence in ourselves and will make a comeback in the Cairo match even if the game is played without fans in attendance,” he added.

Al Ahly needs to win by two goals to nil in the second leg to reach the semi-finals and face the winner from the other side, either South Africa’s Sundowns or Stade Malien.

The match is scheduled to take place next Saturday evening at Cairo Stadium with kick-off scheduled at 19:00 GMT.