Koller confident in Ahly depth despite key player absences

Ahmed Seif , Thursday 28 Mar 2024

Ahly head coach Marcel Koller expressed confidence in the squad depth ahead of their African Champions League quarter-final clash with Tanzania’s Simba SC, despite the absence of key players due to injuries.

Marcel Koller
Ahly s head coach Marcel Koller

 

The Cairo giants are set to face a stern test in the first leg of the quarter-finals on Friday at 8pm local time in Tanzania. The match poses a significant challenge for Ahly, who are missing several pivotal figures in their lineup, such as Emam Ashour, Mohamed El-Shenawy, and Aliou Diang.

Addressing the impact of the absences, the Swiss coach conveyed his trust in the squad’s depth. “We have significant absences, but there is confidence in all team members to compensate for the absences and injuries,” Koller said during Thursday’s press conference.

“We hope to give everything we have in tomorrow’s match and achieve a positive result in Tanzania that will help us in the return match in Cairo,” he stated.

Koller acknowledged the tough weather conditions in Tanzania, characterized by high temperature and humidity. However, he remained optimistic about his team’s resilience and performance capabilities.

“Despite the difficult weather conditions, we must present the best we have on the field,” he emphasized.

Simba SC has proven to be a formidable opponent, having faced Ahly twice in the African Super League.

“Simba is one of the strong teams and has a good group of players,” Koller admitted.

The return leg is slated for next week at Cairo Stadium, where Ahly will seek to capitalize on their home advantage.

In a boost to the team’s preparations, Ahly has welcomed back Mahmoud Metwalli and Ahmed Abdel-Qader, alongside Hussein El-Shahat, who has recovered from a muscle injury.

Koller ended on a note of unity and determination, asserting, “All Ahly players are at the same level and can deliver what is required and achieve a positive result.”

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