File photo of Egypt's Masry (Photo: Ahram Sport)
Egypt's Masry will be eyeing their first ever final appearance in an African competition as they host DR Congo's AS Vita Club in the first leg of the Confederation Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
Masry might be struggling in the Egyptian Premier League but they seem determined to go far in the Confederation Cup and better their two semi-final appearances in the now-defunct Cup Winners' Cup and CAF Cup in 1999 and 2002 respectively.
"It was our first target to reach the group stage. But once we were there we started thinking of going all the way long," Masry coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt's all-time leading scorer, told CAFonline after his side beat Algeria's USM Alger 2-0 on aggregate in the last eight.
Although Masry's squad does not boast big names, Hassan has managed to build an efficient side that are defying all the odds.
Cairo giants Ahly are the only Egyptian side to have won the Confederation Cup, having lifted the trophy in 2014 when they beat Ivory Coast's Sewe Sport in the final.
"The star is the team itself. We have many young players in the team, and they keep coming and going. But whoever plays does his best for the team itself, and that's how we are here," Hassan added.
Masry will be roared on by their passionate fans in Port Said when they host Vita Club, who won the prestigious Champions League title in 1973.
"Of course playing in Port Said boosted our chances. We used to play our home matches away from home, but being among our supporters made a huge difference in our favor," said football director Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of Hossam.
"We do our best to make them happy, and we won't stop now."
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