CAFCL: Micho Sredojevic- Playing away from home will not have a negative impact on South African clubs

Mamelodi Sundowns proved that they can get results in North Africa after controlling their CAF Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Espérance.

Former Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojević had plenty to say about Friday's upcoming CAF Champions League semifinal second leg clashes, both between South African and Egyptian clubs.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly will host Mamelodi Sundowns tomorrow (17:00 GMT) while Pirates travel to face Pyramids FC (19:00 GMT) with both second legs taking place in Cairo following scoreless draws in South Africa.

In an interview with Arabic website Btolat, Micho highlighted that both South African clubs are more than capable of getting the results they need away from home after disappointing first leg results:

"Al Ahly should be given credit for their strong performance but that performance will not be repeated in Cairo, where Sundowns will face the same challenge as they did recently in Tunisia at Rades against Esperance. Sundowns put in a strong defensive performance with several opportunities to counter-attack."

"Orlando Pirates is a very strong team and have won away matches in Africa this season (in Algeria against MC Alger). I know that Pyramids does not have the same fan support as Al Ahly, which makes it easier for (Pirates) to play against Pyramids."

Micho believes that being at home could actually work against Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, who are likely to push more numbers forward in pursuit of goals:

"Pyramids will of course rely on an attacking style to win but Orlando Pirates have players capable of quick transitions after winning the ball, which could threaten the Pyramids defense. Pyramids will have to push forward with space behind their defense and that is Orlando Pirates' biggest opportunity."

"Sundowns are an experienced team that knows how to handle the pressure of playing away from home...you cannot predict the outcome of the Al Ahly versus Sundowns match."

Pyramids did show attacking intent against Pirates in South Africa but a more attacking mindset could haunt them considering a notable lack of pace in the defense.

Pirates have plenty of youth and pace to find gaps to attack and have proven that they do not need possession to find goals with decisive young attackers Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota and more experienced attacker Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi.

For Al Ahly, Friday's second leg will be a big challenge for a team that parked the bus against Sundowns in Pretoria. Coach Marcel Koller has emphasized keeping Sundowns from scoring an away goal as well as preferring to avoid a penalty shootout with South Africa national team goalkeeper Ronwen Williams a proven penalty saving specialist with Sundowns.

Indeed, both second leg matches will feature a fierce tactical battle for the coaches as well as on the pitch for the players.