CAFCL: Ibenge says Al Hilal SC will fight against Al Ahly to reach semi-finals

Florent Ibenge: Photo Credit: Al Hilal SC.

Al Hilal SC coach Florent Ibenge has declared that his side will do everything to outsmart Al Ahly on Tuesday and reach the CAF Champions League semifinal.

The Congolese mentor said this ahead of the CAF Champions League quarterfinal second-leg match between the two teams at Sheikh Badia Stadium in Mauritania on Tuesday.

"Tomorrow, we are going to face Al Ahly for the second game. We are going to do everything to go to the semifinal,” he said.

Trailing 1-0 from the quarterfinal first leg in Cairo, the former Leopards handler admitted that his side has work cut out against the record CAF Champions League winners.

“It will be really tough because they won 1-0 so it will be easier for them to stay in their camp and play counterattack. We have to be really clever to attack but not leave so many spaces behind. It is really difficult. You need to be patient but also attack because you have to score,” Ibenge added.

Al Hilal have since sent a passionate plea to Mauritanian fans, seeking their support in Tuesday’s CAF Champions League match in Mauritania where the Sudanese side is hosting games due to the civil war in Sudan.

Ahead of the match, FIbenge’s side has released statements calling for support from the home fans, as they seek to stun the Egyptians and book a semifinal slot.

“For the Mauritanian fans, we ask for your support. Stand with us after at Sheikh Badia Stadium in the match of your representatives against Al Ahly in the quarterfinals,” the statement reads.

Al Ahly dominated matches against the Sudanese opponents in the CAF Champions League after having won six times, lost twice and the other tie being a draw.

The two teams have not been in their best form in the CAF Champions League with the holders winning thrice, losing twice and drawing once in the last six consecutive games. Al Hilal are smarting from three consecutive defeats in the continental league with the other results being two wins and a draw.