كتب : Sherif Tarek
The Red devils had condemned the Cameroonian side to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of the final round, therefore a goalless draw or even a 1-0 loss in the return leg would be enough for Jose's men to claim an unprecedented sixth CAF Champions League title.
"Cohesion at the beginning of the game is the key to success," the international defender told the local radio before setting off on Garoua trip along with Ahli's contingent.
"I urged my fellow defenders and goalie Amir Abdul-Hamid to stay sharp in order to help the team clinch the trophy.
"We are all enthusiastic about the game, we would break a prestigious record and qualify for FIFA Club World Cup for the third time upon winning the title."
On the other hand, he revealed that the Cairo giants are going to play offensively right from the start take a stranglehold on the game.
"We will adopt an attacking strategy to open the scoring as early as possible. We won’t wait till our opponents initiate the attacks," he added.
Trustful Referee
In the same manner, Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri said he trusts Algerian referee Gamal Hamoudi, who has been assigned to officiate the game.
Jose’s right-hand man believes Hamoudi is competent enough to preside over the pulsating encounter, saying last year’s blow won’t be repreated.
Ahli had lost 3-1 to Etoile Sahel in the Champions League final in 2007 to miss out on the triumph, and many people have blamed the defeat on Moroccan referee Abdul Rahim Al-Argoun, whose decisions were arguably controversial.
"Claiming the sixth Champions League title is the objective, and we shall accomplish it unfailingly," Al-Badri told Ahli official website.
"Our players are experienced enough to overcome any obstacle in Cameroon, and they have all pledged to bring the trophy home."