Danish coach Jess Thorup. Photo courtesy of Ahly Facebook page
The 23rd edition of the Super Cup will be held in the UAE from 6 to 9 November, featuring Egyptian Premier League champions Ahly, runners-up Pyramids FC, Cup winners Zamalek, and League Cup holders Ceramica Cleopatra.
Ahly will face Ceramica Cleopatra in the first semifinal, while Zamalek will take on Pyramids in the other matchup, later on Thursday.
“As I’ve said before, a strong attack secures victories, but a solid defense wins titles,” Thorup said during Wednesday's pre-match news conference.
“I focus on strengthening Ahly’s defence because the fewer goals we concede, the more chances we have to secure a victory.”
Ahly's backline suffered this season as the Red Devils conceded 13 goals in 12 League games.
The Danish coach, who was appointed as Ahly's head coach last month, also acknowledged that he is still in the process of fully understanding the team's dynamics.
“I learn from each game, and I am always looking to improve the team’s performance,” he explained.
“My focus is on the next game, and my goal is to win it to reach the final.”
Thorup also reflected on Ahly's dominant performance in their most recent league match against Masry.
"In the last league game, we created 21 chances, while our opponent had just one. This highlights our work to strengthen both our defense and our attack," he said.
The winner of the Ahly vs. Ceramica semifinal will face the victor of the Zamalek vs. Pyramids match in the Super Cup final on 9 November.
Meanwhile, Ahly goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shennawy admitted the challenge posed by Ceramica Cleopatra but emphasized that his team is determined to win the Super Cup for a third consecutive time and open the season with a title.
“Ceramica are a strong team, but as Ahly, we approach every match with the goal of winning and lifting trophies,” the team captain said at the press conference.
Ahly are the record holders with 15 Super Cup titles, while Zamalek have won the trophy four times. Pyramids and Ceramica are both aiming for their first Super Cup victory.
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