Hossam El-Badry says support is vital ahead of Champions League semifinal

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Oct 19, 2017. 15:30

Ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League semifinal encounter against Etoile Sportive du Sahel on Sunday, Al Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has called on supporters to rally behind the team.

El-Badry has expressed confidence in the team reaching the African Champions League final, but wants to count on the support of fans in Sunday's clash.

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The Red Devils will welcome the Tunisian giants at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria for the second leg of the continental competition's semifinal.

Ahly lost the opening leg 2-1 away and have played two Egyptian Premier League games this week, defeating Ittihad 2-0 on Thursday and Ragaa 4-1 on Monday.

"I am sure fan support on Sunday will ease our mission to snatch the qualifying ticket," the 57-year-old told his club's official website.

"The attendance of 50,000 fans – approved by security authorities – will definitely be a positive boost for the team to overcome the loss.

"The Ittihad and Ragaa games were very good preparation for the Sunday game. I hope that the referee will be fair in his decisions.”