adminABUJA. — Defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt go into the second-leg final of the Caf Champions League soccer final, return leg tomorrow at home in Cairo with a slight edge, but South Africa’s Orlando Pirates are vowing a fightback. Ahly scored a vital away goal in the first-leg final that ended 1-1 in Johannesburg a week ago – to the huge disappointment of the South African champions who had hoped to keep a clean sheet at home.
But Pirates have proved a force to reckon with away from home in this year’s competition.
They booked their place in the final courtesy of an away goal at Esperance of Tunisia after both teams were tied on 0-0 from the first clash in South Africa. Ahly skipper Wael Gomaa has already warned that Pirates play better on the road and so must not be taken lightly.
“When Pirates play away from their ground, they play much better,” said Gomaa, who will resume a key battle with Pirates striker Lennox Bacela.
“Their goal in the last minute will give us more courage to take the second game more aggressively and positively.”
Bacela will be a key player for Pirates but he said they have to be more clinical in front of goal in Cairo.
“We failed to convert our chances (at home) and it cannot be the same in Egypt,” said Bacela, whose team’s first and only triumph in the competition was 18 years ago.
“Ahly will be tough to break. They have the experience but I think we have the will, pace and skills to unlock any defence and cause problems. —AFP.
Online Reporter