Football legend disrespects the Amakhosi, Mosimane refuses to underestimate them
FORMER Tottenham Hotspur and Egyptian football legend Mido said what a lot of people are thinking at the back of their minds – that Kaizer Chiefs will be easy CAF Champions League opposition for Al Ahly.
After heroically completing a 1-0 aggregate win over Wydad Casablanca last weekend, Chiefs advanced to the final of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time in their history.
Chiefs will take on Al Ahly in the Champions League final at the Stade Mohammed V Stadium in Morocco on Thursday, June 17.
There is no doubt that the surprise package team from Gauteng will be the underdogs against Pitso Mosimane’s record ninetime champions of Africa team, who will also be aiming for their second consecutive triumph in the tournament.
“Al Ahly produced a huge performance against Esperance and the victory must be credited to Mosimane first and then his players,” said Mido to Egyptian media.
Kaizer Chiefs will go into the final with dogged determination and will fancy their chances of causing a major upset, especially given that they really have nothing to lose. However, based on the Glamour Boys’ poor domestic form last season, it is hard to argue with Mido that Al Ahly will be the firm favourites, especially if they are at their best.
“The Kaizer Chiefs match will be the easiest final for Al Ahly in their history (in the competition). History will also remember that Al Ahly defeated Esperance home and away in the African Champions League semi-final without considering any other circumstances,” he added.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly coach Mosimane is refusing to underestimate Chiefs by insisting that they can be a difficult team to play against. Mosimane will have a good knowledge of what to expect from Chiefs, being a South African football stalwart and this is something that can work in Al Ahly’s favour.
“They are a good team. For me they are an awkward team and you can’t describe it easily.
“They finished eighth on the log but they are in the Champions League final. So, it just shows that you have to pay attention to details with them. They are a very strong team in terms of organisation and they don’t give away the goals easily.
“They have not conceded a goal in their stadium and it is that kind of a team that does not score a lot but they can defeat you,” he said.
Al Ahly are third in the Egyptian Premier League and 20 points behind pace setters Zamalek, albeit having played eight games less.
Mosimane’s side still have four league games to play prior to their game against Chiefs, while the South African club can focus exclusively on their preparations for the final.
On the one hand, Al Ahly’s upcoming games could benefit them by keeping them match fit but from another perspective, it could make their key players vulnerable to injury.
They can also ill afford to take the league games lightly as a slip-up could give Zamalek an upper hand in the race for the Egyptian league title.