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Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager led the Cairo giants to victory in their first continental match in charge of the team
Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane believes his team could have edged Wydad Casablanca by a wider margin following Saturday’s 2-0 win in the Caf Champions League semi-final, the first leg on Saturday.
Mohamed Magdi Kafsha and Tunisian defender Ali Maaloul both scored to give Al Ahly the important away win.
It was Mosimane’s first Champions League match in charge of Al Ahly and the manager finally got it right after struggling to beat Wydad with his former club Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.
But the former Bafana tactician Bafana feels his team could have recorded a much more convincing victory with more goals.
“It was a tough match as Wydad was struggling to get back into the match,” Mosimane said at the post-match press conference according to Al Ahram.
“We made the most of Wydad’s defensive mistakes … we could have scored a third and a fourth, but I’m happy with the performance of the players.
“The penalty [converted by Maaloul] saving gave us more confidence and we took the opportunity to score a second ”.
Al Ahly host Wydad for the return leg next Friday as they look to reach the final and win the trophy they last won in 2013.
Mosimane has been in Al Ahly’s job for just three weeks and is seeking a second Champions League title, while the Egyptian giants compete for a ninth elite continental crown.
“This is a special victory for Al Ahly’s players, technical staff, officials, employees and supporters,” Mosimane told AFP according to France24.
“We travel to Morocco full of respect for Wydad because they have won this competition twice and rarely lose at home, whether in national or Caf competitions.
“Scoring so early was a perfect start for us and Mohamed [El Shenawy] He did it brilliantly to save a penalty. When we were awarded a penalty, I had a lot of faith in Ali because he is very cold, confident and skilled at scoring from the point.
“Soccer is a fun game and we dare not take anything for granted despite this wonderful result. It’s the half-final break and we have a two-goal lead ”.
Mosimane has yet to savor defeat while leading Al Ahly.
