Egypt's Ahly determined to clinch African Champions League title: Ali Maaloul
Mahmoud Sheleib, Monday 9 Mar 2020
Ahly lost in the previous edition from the South African side 5-0 in the first leg while the Cairo giants won at home 1-0


Ahly's African Champions League quarterfinal hero Ali Maaloul said the African Champions League semifinal game against Morocco's Wydad Athletic will be difficult for both teams, revealing that the domestic league has not been settled yet.

Ahly have qualified to the semifinal of the Confederation of African Football Champions League semifinals after defeating South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in aggregate.

The Reds' full back Maaloul, who scored two goals in the first leg match and helped in scoring the third goal, revealed that since announcing that Ahly will face Sundowns all the players promised to take their revenge.

Ahly lost in the previous edition from the South African side 5-0 in the first leg while the Cairo giants won at home 1-0.

"The team insisted we do our best and make amends for last season's defeat as we promised the fans," the 30-year-old Tunisian told Ahly's official website.

"Ahly's solid character and the team's spirit appeared strongly against Sundowns, which was one of the main factors that helped in dominating at home and away.

"Sundowns is one of the top teams in Africa, as they played great games during the tournament, in addition to having the same coach for many years which reflects the stability of the team. Despite this,Ahly's character shines in such difficult situations," he added.

The Moroccan side Wydad Athletic have qualified to the semis after defeating Tunisia's Sportive Etoile du Sahel 2-1 in aggregate, to host Ahly 1 May, and will travel to Cairo to face Ahly in the away game on 8 May.

Both teams have faced each other eight times in the last decade. They tied in four matches, and each won two games.

The last match between them was in 2017 when Casablanca giants defeated Ahly in the final 2-1 in aggregate.

"Ahly have the suitable time to prepare for Wydad's game, which will be very tough for both sides," he explained.

Maaloul said also Egyptian Premier League title has not been settled yet, despite Ahly leading the table with 48 points away from the second place Arab Contractors with 16 points.

"We have various targets in the current season; the most important is to win the domestic league without losing any game and achieve a new record to be writtenin history in the name of this generation," said Maaloul.

Maaloul concluded his words promising Ahly fans that all the players are determined to clinch titles this season, especially that of the African Champions League.

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