Playmaker Mohamed Afsha Magdi. Ahly official Website
Ahly will be facing Wydad in the first leg of the prestigious continental competition in Cairo on Sunday and in the second leg in Morocco a week later.
The trio rejected the idea that their team is thinking about last year’s loss 2-0 to Wydad in the same tournament final, adding that the new title is their only target.
Ahly are vying to win their 11th Champions League title in their 16th appearance in the finals of the continental tournament.
The 27-year-old Afsha said that Sunday’s game is very important, adding that everyone on the team realizes its significance and is ready to do their best to clinch the title.
“The players are not thinking of the loss to Wydad in last year’s final as it is now past and we are always accustomed to looking to future. Fans will be playing a big role in helping the team to achieve its targets,” Afsha explained.
A difficult test
Attia, 24, said that Ahly know just how difficult Sunday’s game against a strong opponent like Wydad will be.
“The technical staff and players studied the opponent well and we are all fully concentrating on delivering a good game and fulfill our target.”
“We are only concentrating on the Wydad game and are not talking about the past. Wydad is a big and respectable team and we realize that in our preparations,” he added.
Fans a morale boost
Kendouci also said that Ahly players are determined to achieve a positive result on Sunday to make the team’s mission easier in the return match later in Morocco.
“The big number [of fans] expected to be in the stands will be a morale boost for the players who will deliver their best to please their fans,” the Algerian player said.
“The recent dense schedule has not negatively affected the team, especially as the technical staff depends on rotation strategy. Our preparations for Sunday’s match are going perfectly and players are determined to please the fans and help win the title,” he added.
On Wednesday, Cairo giants Ahly announced that up to 50,000 of their supporters will be allowed to attend the Wydad game at Cairo International stadium.
Ahly secured their fourth successive Champions League final appearance with a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory over Esperance of Tunisia.
Meanwhile, defending champions and the three-time African champs Wydad will be on course to win their fourth title in their sixth appearance in the tournament’s final.
They reached the final after beating South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on the away goal rule after a 2-2 draw on agregate.
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