Al Ahly boss wary of Mounana threat ahead of Champions League clash

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Mar 06, 2018. 12:00

Ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against Gabon’s CF Mounana on Tuesday night, Al Ahly boss Ahmed Ayoub has warned the Red Devils against the Gabonese side.

Ayoub believes the reigning African champions, Wydad Casablanca were lucky to beat Mounana in the continental showpiece last season.

Moroccan side Wydad needed a penalty shootout to overcome FC Mounana after a two-legged tie ended in a 1-1 aggregate score.

The Red devils will host CF Mounana at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday in the first leg of the final 2018 CAF Champions League qualifiers to reach the group stages. They will then travel to Gabon for the second leg, which is scheduled for March 17.

Mounana secured their spot in the round of 32 following a 2-1 aggregate victory against Burkina Faso’s Rail Club du Kadiogo.

“CF Mounana are a very respectable team. Wydad Casablanca were lucky to defeat them on penalties last season in the Champions League round of 32,” Ayoub said.

“Al Ahly’s assistant coach Sayed Moawad watched them closely and emphasised their offensive abilities, therefore, we have to be ready for them.

“Coach Hossam El-Badry studied Mounana very well and explained to the team their strengths and weaknesses very clearly. We have to be ready for them.”