The fact that Ahli did not lose to Etoile Sahel in the CAF Champions League first-leg game in Sousse last Saturday does not necessarily mean that the holders have their hand on another African title. A first-leg away draw in knockout competitions might sound bright, but the problem lies primarily in the away-goal rule, and since the game ended goalless, I guess the case does not apply. No doubt that the home advantage could be vital for any team, but at such level, anything can happen, and that's what Ahli coach Manuel Jose wisely warned against. Egyptian media almost agreed that Ahli are on the brink of securing the African trophy for an unprecedented third successive year and a record sixth time, but Jose kept his cool. The Portuguese manager responded by claiming that "It would be ridiculous to think we won the cup because we drew in Tunisia". He added that "both teams still have a 50-50 chance". Etoile's Chance The Sousse-based outfit have a very solid away record, which could be alerting to Ahli in the return leg. Etoile have a 100% away record in the Tunisian league, having won all three away games, and more importantly, scoring more than once in every game.
Etoile only failed to score twice in six away games in the Champions League this term. They have only failed to score twice in six away games in the Champions League this term. It is imminent that the pressure will be more on the home side when the two teams re-clash in Cairo on November 9th. Ahli will be playing under the pressure of knowing that conceding a goal in any minute will require double efforts to cover the deficit. Another significant factor for the Tunisians will be the motive of avenging their thumping 3-0 defeat in the corresponding fixture two years ago. For sure Etoile have learnt their lesson and Ahli will have to find alternative ways to sink their opponents for a second time. The tie evokes memories of the 2007 UEFA Champions League final, which saw AC Milan make amends for their 2005 defeat to Liverpool with a deserved 2-1 victory in Athens. The conclusion is that, as Ahli have the home advantage and a strong motive of making it three on the trot, their opponents also have things going in their favor, which is something that could not be ignored. That's why it will be a '50-50' contest as described by Ahli tactician Jose, who was in charge of the Egyptian giants in the 2005 triumph.
