Ahli defender Wael Gomaa has expressed his confidence in the ability of the African champions to retain their title when they face Sfaxien in Tunisia on November 11th. The Egyptian giants were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Champions League final in Cairo last Sunday. “Unfortunately, the result in Cairo was not a positive one,” Gomaa told FilGoal.com in an exclusive interview. Sfaxien have chosen to play the decisive leg at the 60,000 capacity Rades Stadium in the Tunisian capital rather than their original ground in Sfax, which has a 13,000 spectator capacity. “I'm confident we can beat Sfaxien on their home ground and return from Tunisia with the title,” the Egypt international added. Gomaa has come under fire for his deteriorating form this season ever since Ahli officials denied him a move to the Premiership in the summer transfer period. “I was in top form last January (in the African Cup of Nations,” he said.
“My current dip in form is normal because no one can continuously perform at the highest level,” admitted the 31-year-old. “I'm not a machine, I'm a human being and I have to say I'm suffering from exhaustion.” The combative defender denied allegations that he is deliberately under-performing to force Ahli to sell him in the winter transfer window. “I'd never do something like that,” insisted Gomaa. “I'm a religious person and I have ethics and that's the secret behind my strong performances and success. “My combative style of play and spirit are my trademarks, and I wouldn't compromise that to put pressure on the club to sell me,” he added. Gomaa traveled to England in August and underwent trial periods with Premiership sides Blackburn and Newcastle United.
