In a striking development, Al Ahly has been granted full-capacity approval for Friday's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, turning up the heat in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo.
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In a striking development, Al Ahly has been granted full-capacity approval for Friday's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, turning up the heat in the CAF Champions League semi-final second leg in Cairo.
Recently, Egyptian authorities have capped attendance at CAF matches to a maximum of 30,000 fans. This rule was strictly enforced in Cairo last week when South African minnows Stellenbosch FC shocked the football world by upsetting Zamalek in the Confederation Cup match.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly appealed to their Ministry of Sport after their officials emphasised the significance of the match and the potential impact of an electrifying crowd on the outcome.
As a result, the Cairo International Stadium will host a capacity crowd of 75,000 fans for this high-stakes encounter.
Slovenian-born Nejc Gradisar, who played as the lone striker in Al Ahly's 3-4-2-1 playing formation last week against Sundowns, was overwhelmed by the news.
“I’ve dreamed of playing in a full-capacity Cairo Stadium since joining Ahly. This is a major moment for me, and I’ll give my all to help the team win and advance,” said Gradisar.
“The Sundowns clash will be decided by small details. We have prepared carefully to ensure we’re at our best."
Sundowns defender Divine Lunga, who missed out last week because of an injury, has issued a rallying call for his team to step up. He received clearance to join the travelling squad and coach Miguel Cardoso may draft him into the run-on XI.
Lunga emphasised the importance of mental and physical preparedness.
“It’s not going to be an easy game, just like it was not easy in Pretoria,” he said, reflecting on the challenges underlying their commitment to bringing their best. “We’re going to bring our A-game so that we can win.”
Sundowns coach, Miguel Cardoso, expressed both pride and determination for his team's position among Africa's elite.
The charismatic coach reflected on the unparalleled opportunity his squad has earned, stating that, at this moment, every other club in Africa – aside from the three remaining semi-finalists – would relish the chance to be in Sundowns' position.
“We are in a moment where all teams in Africa, apart from the other three (semi-finalists), would like to be here,” said Cardoso at Thursday's press conference.