Ahly aim to expose SuperSport’s 'defensive weakness'
The Egyptian champions are looking to finish the contest in the home leg of their match against South Africa’s SuperSport United in the prestigious Champions League
Hatem Maher , Thursday 17 Mar 2011
Ahly will be looking to expose SuperSport’s “unstable defense line” when they host the South African outfit in the first leg of the African Champions League on Friday, according to assistant coach Mohamed Youssef.
The Red Devils kick off their Champions League campaign against a stuttering SuperSport side, who lie tenth in the South African league after gaining just 28 points from 24 games.
The Swanky Boys, who have won the league in the past three seasons, are suffering at the back this term, leaking 29 goals so far.
“We saw three games for Super Sport and we have noted their weaknesses and strengths,” Youssef told cafonline.com on Wednesday.
“The team's style depends on the group play but they tend to have an unstable defense line.
“We have held several meetings with the players to emphasise the importance of this game and why we should not wait for the away game in South Africa to win this contest. The first leg is important. We want to end the contest in Cairo.”
Ahly have been restricted to friendly games during the past two months following the popular Egyptian uprising which forced former president Hosni Mubarak to step down.
The Red Devils were dealt a further blow when striker Emad Meteb, who returned to the club in the January transfer window, fractured his ribs last month, leaving coach Manuel Jose with few options upfront.
Newly-arrived striker Dominique Da Silvaof Mauritania could be given the chance to make his competitive debut against SuperSport after impressing in two recent friendly games.
“Dominic is ready to play the game after being through a rehabilitation program during the past few days as he was suffering from severe bruising,” Youssef added.
Ahly are the record winners of Africa’s top club competition with six titles under their belt, one ahead of Cairo rivals Zamalek.
Zamalek, who crushed Kenya’s Ulinzi Stars in the preliminary round, face Tunisian side Club Africain in a tough away encounter on Sunday.
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