Simba Sports Club, Mamelodi Sundowns and Esperance de Tunis face an uphill task as the second leg of the CAF Champions league takes place today.
The Tanzanians host Kaizer Chiefs aiming to overturn a 4-0 first leg defeat suffered in South Africa. This is an uphill task for Didier Gomes’ side that have been impressive in this season’s campaign and the coach hopes that they can use the home advantage to overturn the result.
"We know we have a lot of work to do, but in football everything is possible. The players are in good shape and everyone wants to be included in the squad with the aim of overturning the results and setting a record in Africa.
"We don't despise Kaizer Chiefs, but we are ready to fight for the man to make sure we win and reach the semi-finals," said Gomes.
Down South, Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes they can exploit the “weak” defence of CAF Champions League opponents Al Ahly of Egypt in Pretoria on Saturday and reach the semi-finals.
The South Africans are in an identical position to last season -- trailing record nine-time champions Ahly 2-0 entering the second leg of a quarter-final. The 2020 return match ended 1-1.
“Ahly have a weak defence. They are an attacking team not used to defending. We can exploit that and score multiple goals,” said Mngqithi.
An Ahly defence backed by outstanding goalkeeper Mohamed el Shenawy has kept six clean sheets in nine Champions League outings this season, conceded one goal once and two twice.
Title-holders Ahly have been a bogey team for Sundowns, winning five of nine previous Champions League meetings and drawing three.
“We have a small advantage (2-0) which gives us confidence and puts pressure on the opposition,” said Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane, who moved to Cairo from Sundowns last September.
While Sundowns boast numerous potential scorers, the overall outcome could hinge on whether they can keep a clean sheet as an Ahly goal would almost certainly prove decisive.