File photo: Coach Nabil Maaloul of Tunisia's Esperance Sportive de Tunis (E.S.T) (Photo: Reuters)
Nabil Maaloul, coach of Tunisia's Esperance, said he did not care if his team had to face Ahly or Mazembe in the African Champions League semifinal because his team was ready for anyone.
"I asked my players not to concentrate on their opponent in the Champions League semis as it was difficult to predict the result of the Ahly vs. Zamalek clash," Maaloul told the Tunisian media.
Ahly avoided a tricky semifinal clash against title holders Esperance in the African Champions League after sharing honors with arch-rivals Zamalek in a 1-1 draw on Sunday. The Cairo club will face Nigeria's Sunshine Stars in the semifinal, whist Esperance will face TP Mazembe.
"Esperance's power was evident when Ahly players and coaching staff celebrated after their 1-1 draw with Zamalek," he said..
"Esperance is the best team in Africa. We shouldn't fear TP Mazembe; rather it is them who should fear us," he added.
"All Group B teams lost to Mazembe in Congo except Ghana’s Berekum Chelsea who drew 2-2 there," the coach noted.
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