Pitso Mosimane says his Al Ahly troops know how to navigate the terrain of African football after a hard-fought 1-1 draw [3-2 aggregate] against Raja Casablanca at the Stade V Mohamed Stadium in Morocco earned them a ticket to the semi-final for the third successive time.
Ahly held their nerve during the intense clash on Friday night in front of a full capacity stadium.
Raja took the lead inside the first five minutes of the game through Fabrice Ngoma. Mosimane’s men had a better chance to draw level after 17 minutes, but Ali Maaloul failed to convert a penalty.
However, the Egyptian giants kept their search for an equalizer and were rewarded on the stroke of halftime when Abdelmonem scored from close range.
It was the first time Raja concede at home in the Champions League this season. The home side tried to push for the winner, but it wasn’t to be, as Ahly sealed a spot in the semis as they look to defend their title.
“The return match against Raja in Morocco was difficult. We came to the Mohammed V complex and respected the Raja team,” said Mosimane.
“But we have complete confidence in the players, and we were able to resolve the qualification after winning in Cairo 2-1 and drawing in Morocco 1-1.”
He admitted it was a difficult game, adding that they came into the match with respect to the Moroccans. “But we have the experience and the confidence to play these games.”
“We won the game in Cairo and we missed a penalty in Cairo and missed another penalty here. We know how to play the Champions League matches.”
Ahly will meet Algeria’s ES Setif in the semi-finals, who beat defeat Esperance 1-0 in the return leg following a goalless draw in the first leg.
