Pitso Mosimane, Al Ahly head coach, revealed that our team is expecting a difficult match against Esperance on Saturday in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals.  

Mosimane spoke during the pre-match press conference about the importance of achieving a positive result in the first leg in Tunisia.

"Al Ahly against Esperance is a classic Champions League game and we all know the importance of the game, given the history and the ambitions of both clubs and their constant desire to win titles."

"I respect Esperance and their head coach and I know the club's value and the huge fan base that supports Esperance in Tunisia. We respect all our opponents and we are humble. It is very important to be humble but I believe in my players and I believe that we have a chance to win here tomorrow."

"We are an experienced team and we always play to win and make our fans happy. We have a huge responsibility towards our history and our fans. We are soldiers and we are defending Al Ahly badge."

"We want to win the semi-finals and reach the final. Our focus tomorrow is on not conceding goals and trying to score to have an advantage ahead of the second leg."

"Conceding goals away from home is not the end. Esperance conceded two goals away from home in the quarter-finals but they bounced back in the second leg in Tunisia to win the tie."

"We have many players who can replace Afsha but I hope to have him fit for tomorrow's game. He will have a medical check-up tomorrow to decide if he is available for the game or not."