Egyptian PM to represent president Al-Sisi at World Economic Forum Meeting in Riyadh    Egypt pushes for inclusive dialogue on financing sustainable development at UN Forum    Tax-free car import initiative to end on Sunday: Minister of Emigration    President Al-Sisi receives heads of Arab parliaments, affirms support for Palestine    Negativity about vaccination on Twitter increases after COVID-19 vaccines become available    US student protests confuse White House, delay assault on Rafah    US economy slows to 1.6% in Q1 of '24 – BEA    EMX appoints Al-Jarawi as deputy chairman    Italy hits Amazon with a €10m fine over anti-competitive practices    Gold prices slightly up ahead of US data    Environment Ministry, Haretna Foundation sign protocol for sustainable development    After 200 days of war, our resolve stands unyielding, akin to might of mountains: Abu Ubaida    Swiss freeze on Russian assets dwindles to $6.36b in '23    World Bank pauses $150m funding for Tanzanian tourism project    Amir Karara reflects on 'Beit Al-Rifai' success, aspires for future collaborations    Ministers of Health, Education launch 'Partnership for Healthy Cities' initiative in schools    Amstone Egypt unveils groundbreaking "Hydra B5" Patrol Boat, bolstering domestic defence production    Climate change risks 70% of global workforce – ILO    Prime Minister Madbouly reviews cooperation with South Sudan    Ramses II statue head returns to Egypt after repatriation from Switzerland    Egypt retains top spot in CFA's MENA Research Challenge    Egyptian public, private sectors off on Apr 25 marking Sinai Liberation    EU pledges €3.5b for oceans, environment    Egypt forms supreme committee to revive historic Ahl Al-Bayt Trail    Debt swaps could unlock $100b for climate action    Acts of goodness: Transforming companies, people, communities    President Al-Sisi embarks on new term with pledge for prosperity, democratic evolution    Amal Al Ghad Magazine congratulates President Sisi on new office term    Egypt starts construction of groundwater drinking water stations in South Sudan    Egyptian, Japanese Judo communities celebrate new coach at Tokyo's Embassy in Cairo    Uppingham Cairo and Rafa Nadal Academy Unite to Elevate Sports Education in Egypt with the Introduction of the "Rafa Nadal Tennis Program"    Financial literacy becomes extremely important – EGX official    Euro area annual inflation up to 2.9% – Eurostat    BYD، Brazil's Sigma Lithium JV likely    UNESCO celebrates World Arabic Language Day    Motaz Azaiza mural in Manchester tribute to Palestinian journalists    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



We are not favourites to defeat Egypt's Ahly, says Esperance's coach
A few hours ahead of the anticipated game, Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul admits that his team is not the favourite to win today's clash with Ahly
Ahmed Abd El Rasoul Published in Ahram Online on 30 - 07 - 2011

Tunisia's Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul confesses that his team will be greatly affected because they are missing many key players when they host Egypt's Ahly in the second round of the African Champions League group stage.
“We are not really favourites for today's clash. I will not hide the fact that I have fears about this match as Esperance will be depleted following the suspension of Msakni, Korbi and Ben Amor, and injured players; Ben Mansour and Bachtobji,” Maaloul told the confederation of African football (CAF) official website on Saturday.
“It is mostly the defence that will be affected. That will compel me to field in left winger Khalil Chammam, at the central defence. The Ghanaian, Harrisson Afful, a right wing player, will play this time at the left. Khaled Mouelhi will replace Khaled Korbi as holding midfielder. Meanwhile, I am still to decide on how to make up for the absence of Youssef Msakni,” he added.
Ahly opened their group stage campaign with a 3-3 home draw against Morocco's Wydad Casablanca last week, while Esperance's game with Algerian side Mouloudia ended with a 1-1 draw.
The Tunisian side will make the best use of being playing at home to clinch the match's three points and Maaloul will rely heavily on his new Cameroonian striker, Yannick N'Djeng, to hit the guest's net.
“We expect a lot from our new recruits. It's a real advantage. N'Djeng is yet to sync with his teammates, as he has played just a single game with Esperance,” the 48-year old coach explained.
Mohamed Abou-Treika regime is over
Despite of the well known skill of Ahly's star Mohamed Abou-Treika, Maaloul will not make any special preparations to stop the Pharaohs star, as he sees bigger threats elsewhere from the Red Devils.
Abou-Trieka does not dictate the game for Ahly like before. There are many younger players who are better than him. If there is one player who I am cautious of it is the attacker, Emad Meteb. He is focused, good and moves a lot. He causes the defences a lot of problems. Gedo also impressed me in the last match. The team's rhythm dropped after he was replaced,” the former assistant coach of Tunisia said.
After a successful season with Esperance by winning the double, Leauge and cup titles, in Tunisia, now Maaloul hopes to continue this success by winning the Champions League title.
“Frankly, I am making it clear that this triple is a personal challenge. Of course, it would be a superb compensation for the team. But we cannot sit and dream a lot because we still have a long way to go,” he concluded.

Clic here to read the story from its source.