Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller confident of lifting CAF Champions League title over Wydad

Marcel Koller, the head coach of Al Ahly, is confident that his team can finish the job in Casablanca and reclaim the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League title from Wydad Athletic Club.

Following their 2-1 victory in the first leg of the final at the Cairo International Stadium, Al Ahly only needs to avoid defeat in Casablanca next week to secure their 11th championship.

“I am pleased with the win. The final is always challenging as it brings together the two best teams on the continent. We performed well as a collective and deserved the victory,” acknowledged the tactician.

He further stated, “We didn’t lose, and I believe we have the ability to score a goal in Morocco that will give us a favorable advantage for a positive outcome.”

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While Koller expressed satisfaction with the victory and his team’s overall performance, he was frustrated by the away goal they conceded, recognizing its potential impact on the balance of the return match in Wydad’s favor.

“It was a mistake because it went against the instructions given by the technical staff. We made impulsive decisions and pushed forward more instead of maintaining possession, which resulted in conceding the goal,” lamented Koller.

However, he maintained his trust in the players and their ability to clinch the title, stating, “I have confidence in my team that we can emerge as champions.”

The coach will now focus on preparing for the second leg, which includes reviewing the footage of Sunday’s match in Cairo to devise a better strategy to counter Wydad’s challenge in their own territory in Casablanca.