Pitso Mosimane, Al Ahly’s football first team head coach, spoke following the team’s 1-0 victory over Al Hilal on Sunday at Al Ahly WE Al Salam Stadium. 

In his post-match press conference, Mosimane reflected on the game and talked about the reasons behind the change in performance after the goal. 

“It was a very difficult game. We have to pay respect to Al Hilal, who gave us a very brave fight.”

“We were a little bit cautious. Our back-line was very disciplined and that was why El Shenawy didn’t receive a lot of dangerous opportunities.”

“We were a bit nervous at the beginning of the game but after we scored we became more relaxed.”

Mosimane also explained why the team had to wait until the last match of the group stage to qualify to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League; in addition to, how he prepared our Egyptian international players for the game after failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. 

“As for the team’s performance in the group stages, it’s always like that. It’s never very nice or easy. I think you know how this movie [competition] will end. It’s a marathon and it’s not about how well you start.”

“As for how I prepared the players, who were part of the Egyptian national team; we gave them a rest for two days because they came back from a very tough period. However, they are professionals and know how to adjust with these circumstances.”