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CAFCL Final: Esperance target second leg upset in Al Ahly’s backyard

Esperance

Esperance will be hoping to cause an upset in Al Ahly’s backyard when both sides meet at the Cairo International stadium in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final on Saturday night.

The first leg in Rades ended goalless and home advantage could help Al Ahly towards a record-extending 12th Champions League title.

A score draw would however favour Esperance on away goals and defender Yassine Meriah is hopeful the result would tilt towards their side and land them their fifth Champions League crown.

“Esperance are ready for the match that is coming. Hopefully on the day of the game we are in the best way and (winning). Hopefully the luck is with us and this title can be a fifth for Esperance,” he said.

Esperance Oussama Bouguerra also echoed the same thoughts, stating: “It’s a game between two of the strongest teams in Africa. Al Ahly knows ES Tunis and ES Tunis knows Al Ahly.

“We played a good game in the first leg in Tunisia. The second game is still to come on Saturday and hopefully we are the ones that win it.”


Meanwhile, Al Ahly midfielder Marwan Attia, acknowledges it will not be an easy game despite home advantage and is counting on the fans to make it an exciting one.

“Definitely the first leg was very tough, but we somehow managed to play a great match, up to 80 per cent. We got what we wanted from the match,” he explained.

“Hopefully we will settle things down at Cairo Stadium, and the match result will be in our favor. For sure, it’s not going to be easy. Al Esperance is a great team with great players and coaches. They are even supported with new players.

“Hopefully this match is going to be full of excitement, and the fans will make it much better in the stadium.”

Esperance and Al Ahly previously met in the CAF Champions League final in 2018 with the former winning 4-3on aggregate.

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