Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane shared his thoughts after their comfortable 3-0 victory over Al Merrikh in their Caf Champions League group stage opener at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.

The Red Eagles secured their biggest win in the competition after cruising to a comfortable victory over the Sudan side on matchday one.

The first half ended with a goalless draw but the Red Eagles managed to secure the victory in the second half with three goals from Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Mahmoud Kahraba, and Walter Bwalya.

The Egyptian giants are now leading the group by goal difference, ahead of Tanzania’s Simba SC, who defeated Congo’s AS Vita Club 1-0.

On the match

‘We scored late today, but in the end, we managed to secure our first 3 points in the 2021 CAF Champions League group stage. Our opponent today stood their ground during the first half, but once we scored the opener we controlled the game.’

On the team’s playing style

‘I kept the team’s tactics the same even before scoring the goals. We depended today on the wings as Al Merrikh were blocking the center of the field.’

‘The crosses played an important role in today’s victory, as Afsha managed to score the opener from Hany’s cross.’

On the team’s absences

‘We missed 5 starters in today’s game. Also, I preferred to rest some players such as Hamdy Fathy and I gave playing time to Saad Samir, Mahmoud Wahid, and Ahmed Ramadan, as they did not participate in the previous games.’

On Bwalya’s Goal

‘I am glad that Bwalya managed to score his first goal for us.’

On the captain El Shenawy

‘I would like to praise Mohamed El Shenawy for his great performance in the game, as he managed to save our net from two dangerous chances.’