Asec Mimosas coach Patrick Liewig said that he is not seeking revenge from African champions Al Ahly when the two sides clash in the CAF Champions League quarters on Sunday.
The French manager saw his Ivorian side eliminated by Al Ahly in the semi-finals of last year s competition, but Liewig is not ready for a vengeance confrontation.
It is a serious confrontation, but we are not talking about revenge, Liewig was quoted in an interview by Asec s official web site.
Even though the frustration of our exit last year remains large, it is unnecessary to be complex when we face a team like Al Ahly.
We are aware of Al Ahly s quality at the African level, they reflect the characteristic of typical Egyptian football, added Liewig.
This is only our second game and we face the best team in Africa, we must be preserving, more attentive and combative.
Al Ahly beat Asec 2-0 in Cairo and lost 2-1 in Abidjan in last season s semi-finals, as the Egyptian champions went on to clinch the trophy for the second straight time.
However victory this time around is uncertain due to the slight hamstring strain of the Egypt forward and Al Ahly striker Emad Meteb after the latest 4-3 Egyptian Cup victory over Zamalek last week.
Meteb is currently training under the supervision of fitness coach Fidalgo and medic Ehab Ali, who revealed that the player s condition is in progress. However, Al Ahly website said that the technical staff led by Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, is likely to rest Meteb until he fully recovers. And since he has not been training with the team since they arrived in Abidjan, it is still unclear whether or not he will play in the crucial Champions League, (CAF) Group B clash against Asec Mimosas of Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Asec registered a positive score line in their Group B opener against Tunisia s Esperance, who were held to a goalless draw by the Ivorians. This should increase concern for Al Ahly because they are missing their forward. But on a more promising note, defensive midfielder Mohamed Shawki has returned to full training after the knee problem he suffered during the cup final triumph as well.
It was good to return from Tunisia with a draw, but on Sunday it is necessary to grab the three points. I think winning 1-0 would be sufficient, Liewig said.
