The Cairo giants secured a hard-fought win over their Tanzanian counterparts in the first leg of the prestigious continental tournament quarterfinal, with the second leg taking place in Cairo on Friday.

“We are very happy with today’s victory. We knew from the start that it would be a difficult game because of the strength of our opponent and also the high temperature and moisture in Tanzania,” the Swiss tactician said in the press conference after the game.

“My players also suffered big pressures, especially the international ones who joined the team directly after finishing their international duty without a rest,” the 63-year-old coach added.

After this narrow victory, Ahly are now well-placed to secure a spot in the semifinals, but Koller refused to exaggerate his team chances.

“Ahly didn’t qualify yet for the semi-final and we should start preparing well for the return match,” the Ahly coach said.

“All the team must exert extra effort in the second leg on Friday,” he added.

The Egyptian giants, who have won the African Champions League a record 11 times, need to draw or earn a 1-0 win in Friday’s game at Cairo’s International Stadium to secure qualification for the next round.

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