Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt's Ahly (Photo: Reuters)
Ahly mid-fielder Mohamed Abou Treika warned Coton Sport showdown in Cameroon will not be easy, although Ahly players are ready.
"It is too early to speak about the final now as Coton will be tough, especially in the first game in Cameroon," the 34 year-old star told the club's official website Monday.
The Cairo-based club are playing the Cameroonians Saturday in the semi-final of the CAF Champions League.
Reports have predicted the final is likely to be a classic play-off between Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance, who are competing with Orlando Pirates of South Africa.
"Coton combines strong members. I watched their last game with Esperance [in the group stage] and I noticed they became even tougher. However, we are the title holders and we can at least gain a positive result away despite the hard circumstances expected in Cameroon."
"The four teams have level opportunities now and football doesn’t depend on revenge," Treika added.
The winners of seven trophies met Coton in the final of the 2008 tournament, in which the Egyptians won 4-2 after a 2-0 home win in the first leg.
Abou-Treika, Ahly star since 2004, holds four trophies from the tournament in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2012. A popular player with Ahly and Egyptian fans, he was named African-based player of the year in 2008 and 2012.
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