Al Ahly coach Thorup confident ahead of Esperance clash

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for Sunday’s CAF Champions League quarterfinal showdown against Tunisian side Esperance.

The first leg will take place at the Olympic Stadium in Radès, with Al Ahly traveling to face their North African rivals.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Thorup referred to the encounter as an "African derby," highlighting the rich history between the two clubs.

He stressed that both the coaching staff and players are acutely aware of the match's significance and intensity, adding that Al Ahly has thoroughly prepared for a positive result.

“Our goal in every match is to win,” Thorup said, noting that the team channels the pressure of high-stakes games into positive motivation, which helps improve focus and boost enthusiasm on the pitch.

The Danish coach also praised Al Ahly’s squad depth, emphasizing fierce competition for starting spots in every position.

This, he noted, provides the coaching staff with a wealth of options ahead of the game. Thorup further singled out goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy, calling the team captain’s wealth of experience an invaluable asset for the squad.

Concluding his remarks, Thorup reiterated that football is a team game, and Al Ahly’s collective spirit remains a core strength.

"The team that performs best on the day will secure victory," he said, adding that Al Ahly’s players have the ability and experience to thrive in critical moments.