No extra preparations for Ahly clash, says Esperance coach Benzarti
Karem Yehia, Tunis, , Friday 8 Sep 2017
Egypt's Ahly host Tunisia's Esperance on 16 September in the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League


Esperance coach Faouzi Benzarti of Tunisia has said that his side doesn't need any special preparation for a crucial showdown with Egyptian giants Ahly in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals on 16 September in Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium.

"We will leave Tunisia on 14 September, two days before playing Ahly, so there are no special preparations for the game," Benzarti told Ahram Online.

The 67-year-old tactician lamented the lack of time for proper preparation.

"We didn't have time to hold any camps. Our players are tired because they have been playing season after season without a break. We had eight players with the national team who played at two World Cup qualifiers on 1 and 5 September against Congo," he added.

However Benzarti said that this is no excuse and that Esperance, a favourite for this year's Champions League title, are aiming for a win in Alexandria.

"I always play to win whether it be at home or away. Our players are always ready for the matches.

"The game against Ahly won't have any surprises. We already watched each other during the Arab Champions League in Alexandria," the Esperance coach added.

After seven years on hold, the Arab Champions League took place last month in Egypt with Esperance winning the title, while Ahly were eliminated from the semis.

"I expect a good game against Ahly as they a strong team with vast experience in big games," Benzarti concluded.

Esperance booked their place in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after finishing on top of their Group C with 12 points. They will meet record eight-time winners Ahly in a mouthwatering two-legged quarter-final clash in September.

Ahly secured their place in the last eight after finishing second in Group D with 11 points.

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