Esperance manager Nabil Maaloul is delighted with his side's 1-1 draw against Ahli, stressing that the Tunisians did more than qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals. Ahli were ousted from the competition after the disappointing result, while Esperance went through to the last four for the second year running. “I think we hit two targets at a time with the result as we managed to qualify and we also eliminated Ahli,” Maaloul told Modern Kora TV after Saturday's game. “Our chances of winning the title are higher against any opponent except Ahli. So I think Wydad's qualification is better for us.” Wydad Casablanca were lucky to go through despite losing 3-1 at bottom side MC Alger, but the Moroccans edged Ahli with a better head-to-head record. Esperance, on the other hand, will be waiting to face either Sudan's Hilal or Cotonsport of Cameroon in the semis. The Tunisians missed out on the title last season after being thrashed by DR Congo's Mazembe 6-1 on aggregate.
Sweeper and fans Maaloul explained how he managed to tactically frustrate Ahli, while showing his gratitude to the home fans after his side uncommonly received a warm welcome in Cairo. "I know that Egypt can do anything in football other than playing without a sweeper. So I built my tactics on that," he added. "I put three men in midfield, man-marked Mohamed Abou-Treika and closed down on Ahli's two full-backs Sayed Moawad and Ahmed Fathi. "In the second half, Manuel Jose helped us when he took off Geddo because we knew that Abou-Treika is currently unfit to play 90 minutes. "Finally, I want to offer many thanks to the Egyptian fans who gave a wonderful example today." Jose started the game with three men in defense, before switching to 4-4-2 after just 29 minutes.
