EXCLUSIVE: Al Ahly’s Ibrahim Mostafa Anticipates Challenging Clash with ‘Seasoned’ Sundowns

Former Egypt international Ibrahim Mostafa has issued a warning to Al Ahly, advising them not to underestimate their CAF Champions League semi-final opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns. He stressed the need for them to avoid repeating mistakes from previous encounters.

The current African champions are on the hunt for a record 13th title but must first navigate a challenging tie against the South African outfit, who are pursuing their second title following their victory in 2016.

Al Ahly reached this point after a closely contested quarter-final against Sudanese club Al Hilal, while Sundowns had to fend off a scare from Tunisian side Esperance.

Mostafa is expecting a fiercely competitive match but warns that his former side needs to remain vigilant, pointing out that Sundowns’ quarter-final display illustrates what they can achieve at their best.

“In their last match against Esperance, they thoroughly outclassed their opponents, demonstrating their strength and determination. Securing an away draw against a tough Tunisian side will undoubtedly enhance their morale as they gear up to face us,” he said.

“The match will be challenging since so much is on the line, but I have confidence that our team can rise to the occasion. Playing the first leg at home gives us a slight edge. Football can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial we perform at our best.”

The rivalry between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns has emerged as a significant narrative in the CAF Champions League, with the South Africans having the upper hand in their recent encounters.

In their last four clashes, Sundowns have won three times, with one match ending in a draw.

Mostafa added: “Al Ahly understand this, and there can be no room for error. Statistics might suggest an easy route for us, but each match tells a different story. Despite it being a semi-final, we must treat it as if it were a final.

“We can count on our leading scorers, Emam Ashour and Hussein El Shahat, to find the net, but every department must perform effectively.

“It will be our collective effort that gives us the advantage. Representing Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup would be a tremendous honour and a source of pride.”

In response, Mamelodi Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged the quality of Al Ahly’s roster but asserted that the Egyptian giants are not invincible, expressing confidence in his team’s potential to rise to the challenge.

“We know that Al Ahly has claimed numerous Champions League trophies over the last seven or eight years,” he said on the club’s website.

“Last year, unfortunately, I fell short in a final against them. However, I firmly believe we can defeat them.

“We need to produce two comprehensive performances, paying attention to the finer details. We must be resilient and prepare ourselves thoroughly. 

“The match against Al Ahly is on the horizon, but we still have a Nedbank Cup semi-final to focus on first, and that should be our immediate priority.”

Conversely, Al Ahly manager Marcel Koller expressed his ambition to lead the club to the CAF Champions League final, stating that winning a third consecutive title would be a monumental achievement.

“We have faced Sundowns in many matches, and our objective is to qualify for the final,” he told El Rayada.

“Sundowns will be motivated to win, and Al Ahly is more than capable of taking the title. The team’s performance has room for improvement,” he noted.

“All avenues are available to Sundowns. The upcoming matches will undoubtedly be tough, but we are aiming for our third consecutive title and to achieve something historic.”