Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has expressed his confidence in reaching the African Champions League final, despite Sunday s first-leg 1-2 defeat to Etoile du Sahel away in Sousse.
"Qualifying for the final will be decided at Borg El-Arab. The first-leg was exciting. We wasted many chances, but the home game will be different," El-Baadry said at the post-match press conference on Sunday.
Ahly will host Etoile for the decisive clash at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on 21 October.
"We weren t lucky in the goal area, although we reached it many times. But Saleh Gomaa s goal will make our mission easier," he added.
El-Badry also assured Ahly fans that his tactics would not be affected by the absence of experienced right-winger Ahmed Fathi.
"I am sorry Fathi will miss the next game, but we have substitutes in the same positions," he stressed.
The Red Devils set up a mouthwatering two-legged encounter with Etoile after overcoming another Tunisian side in Esperance in the quarters, coming from a goal down to earn a 2-1 win in Rades following a 2-2 first-leg draw in Alexandria.
Ahly are eyeing a record-extending ninth title and their first since 2013.
They met Etoile in the Champions League final in 2005 and 2007. Ahly prevailed with a comprehensive 3-0 aggregate win in 2005, but Etoile had the upper hand two years later, securing a 3-1 victory in Cairo after the first leg ended goalless.
