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Former Mamelodi Sundowns strategist joins a small group of coaches who have won Africa’s elite club competition with different teams
Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that Friday’s win in the Caf Champions League was not a walk in the park after defeating Zamalek’s old foes 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium. .
Amr Al Sulaya put Al Ahly ahead five minutes into the game before veteran forward Shikabala struck back for Zamalek within half an hour.
Mohamed Magdi Kafsha then grabbed the Al Ahly winner with four minutes remaining to hand the club its ninth Champions League crown.
This trophy comes just under two months after Mosimane was appointed coach of the Cairo Giants, which is his first coaching job outside of South Africa.
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“I came here to win the African trophy, but it was very difficult. As we always say, the finals are won, they are not played, ”Mosimane said after the match according to Al Ahram.
“I have to say that the Zamalek coach made it very difficult for us in the first half because he prevented us from playing our normal game. Shikabala scored an amazing goal. I spoke to my players at halftime and told them that we had to improve.
“I made some changes in my tactics in the second half and asked the players to put more and more pressure on the Zamalek players because I could see that they were getting tired and losing shape. We needed to press his midfield and that’s what gave us the second goal. “
In Friday’s triumph, Mosimane also sealed a personal milestone by winning Champions League titles with two different teams, after winning the 2016 crown with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Other coaches who have accomplished that feat are later Argentine Oscar Fullone who won it with Ivorian giants Asec Mimosas and Raja Casablanca, while Mahmoud El Gohary also claimed it twice with Al Ahly and Zamalek.
Interestingly, Mosimane’s Champions League medals came after they fired Zamalek in the final.
“I have President Mahmoud El Khatib to thank for giving me, an African coach, the opportunity to lead one of the best clubs in Africa,” Mosimane added.
“I also want to thank the board, staff and players who gave me a great welcome to do my job. Now we have to focus on the Egyptian Cup, the African Super Cup and the Club World Cup ”.
Finally, I had to go to the Nile River to catch the big fish. pic.twitter.com/Jo6ITY3j3T
– Pitso Mosimane (@TheRealPitso) November 27, 2020
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