The reigning African champions are set to host Sundowns in the second leg at Cairo International Stadium on Friday, aiming to secure a victory that would send them to the final as they chase a third consecutive title and a record-extending 13th continental crown.
The Cairo giants were held to a stalemate in the first leg in South Africa last Saturday, leaving the tie evenly balanced ahead of the return leg.
Moroccan defender Achraf Dari stressed the squad’s determination to deliver for their supporters.
“We are fully focused on approaching the Sundowns match with strength and delivering the performance required to make our fans happy. We promise to give everything we have to secure victory,” Dari told Ahly’s official website on Wednesday.
“We gave our all in the first leg, and while the goalless result might seem misleading, we have the experience to handle such situations. We will follow the coach’s instructions and make our fans proud,” he added.
“As players, we constantly communicate. We understand the responsibility we carry, and we know our fans stand with the team through every challenge. Our goal is clear: qualify for the final and win the title,” Dari said.
Teammate Mostafa Al-Esh echoed Dari’s sentiments, calling the upcoming match “extremely tough” and labeling the stalemate in South Africa as “a deceptive result.”
“We gave everything against Sundowns in the first leg, but the result doesn’t reflect the full story. Friday’s match will be tough, but we’ll fight relentlessly for qualification,” Al-Esh said.
“Coach Koller has demanded maximum effort from us. We’re grateful for our progress so far, but we know the job isn’t done. Reaching the final would be a massive boost for the team,” he added.
Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar highlighted the fine margins that could decide the match, while expressing excitement about playing in front of a packed Cairo Stadium.
“The Sundowns clash will be decided by small details. We’re preparing carefully to ensure we’re at our best,” Gradisar said.
“I’ve dreamed of playing in a full-capacity Cairo Stadium since joining Ahly. This is a major moment for me, and I’ll give my all to help the team win and advance,” he added.
Ahly booked their semi-final spot after defeating Sudan’s Al-Hilal in the quarters, while Sundowns edged past Tunisia’s Esperance.
The winner will face either Pyramids FC or South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the final.
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