Koller. Photo: Al-Ahly Official Website
Ahly, record 12-time champions, were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in Pretoria and now need a win at home to advance to their sixth consecutive final.
“This will be a tough and intense match, especially after the draw in South Africa, but we are ready,” Koller told reporters at Thursday’s press conference.
“Our goal is to win – any draw would favour Sundowns except a goalless one, which would take us to penalties. We don’t want that,” he added.
The match will take place at Cairo International Stadium, where a large turnout of home supporters is expected. Koller said he trusts the fans will give his side a crucial boost.
“I have full confidence in the fans’ support from start to finish. It gives us the motivation to secure qualification for the final,” he expressed.
Koller, who has led Ahly to back-to-back Champions League titles, downplayed past results and statistics, stating that the focus is entirely on Friday’s showdown.
“Sundowns are a strong side, but we’re not looking at history. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game and making our fans proud,” he said.
Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy is expected to play a key role, particularly if the match goes to penalties. Koller praised El-Shennawy and the Sundowns goalkeeper, acknowledging the fine margins in knockout football.
The Cairo club are aiming to become the first team to win the African title three years in a row. They have lifted the trophy four times in the past five seasons.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: