Mamelodi Sundowns' forward Gaston Sirino Rodriguez (R) fights for the ball with Al-Ahly's midfielder Aliou Dieng (L) during the CAF Champions League Quarter-final second leg match between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt's Al-Ahly (AFP)
Ahly is ready to compete for all titles this season according to Malian midfielder Aliuo Dieng, who insisted that he is not thinking of leaving for Europe and that he is fully concentrating on the Cairo giants.
"The team is ready to compete for all titles this season at both the domestic and continental levels. Reaching the CAF Champions League semis is a big achievement towards clinching the title," Dieng was quoted as saying by Ahly's official website on Tuesday.
Ahly recently reached the semi-final of the prestigious continental tournament after passing South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. The record eight-time African Champions Ahly will be facing Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the semis.
"We faced a difficult test against Sundowns but we were determined to qualify and complete our title campaign successfully. We will not let the title slip away," said the 22-year-old player.
"Ahly play every match as a final. The team is fully concentrating on the Champions League and is marching steadily towards the title to please the fans who always offer full support everywhere," he added.
Quick adaptation at Ahly
Dieng joined Ahly in the last summer transfer window coming from MC Algiers and quickly proved himself as one of the team's key players this season. He appeared in 20 matches with the Cairo giants, scoring two goals and providing two goals.
"Coach Rene Weiler knows well how to get the best out of every player on the pitch. He always talks to the players and motivates them to achieve the team targets," explained Dieng.
"My quick adaptation to the team may be because I learn a lot from the team's experienced players. I always listen to their advice and learn from their experiences, and I also pay great attention to the technical staff's advice.
"I’ve played for several clubs, but the experience with Ahly is unique one as it is a big club with a glorious history of achievements.
"Playing at Ahly needs full concentration and for you to deliver your best. Mistakes are not allowed here as the team always plays to win to please the huge number of fans," he added.
At the domestic level, holders Ahly are leading the Egyptian Premier League table with 48 points from 16 points, 16 points ahead of second placed Arab Contractors.
"We play to win the league title. We don't think of the big gap with other teams as we only work hard to win every match to secure the title early," Dieng said about Ahly's chances in the domestic league.
“The players are determined to win the league title and the Egypt Cup title, as Ahly always competes for every title because of the players' experiences, the club's history and the unlimited fan support.”
After his recent outstanding performances with Ahly, Dieng was recently linked with a future move to Europe, but he insists that he has some targets to achieve with the Reds first.
"I am not thinking of leaving to play in Europe for the time being as I am very happy at Ahly and I am fully concentrated on achieving titles with the team this season. I would like to thank the fans for their support since I’ve joined the club," he said.
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