CAIRO: Esperance coach Faouzi Benzarti is hoping to take advantage of Ahly’s stumbling, but warned of his opposition’s quality ahead of the Champions League semi-final.
The eagerly-anticipated Arab clash takes place next weekend, with Egyptian champions Ahly looking far from convincing through the group stage.
While the Tunisians are enjoying a fine form under Benzarti, the veteran manager is hoping his side can outclass the out-of-form African giants.
"Ahly are always a strong team, regardless of their recent form. We have to be aware," Benzarti said in an interview with CNN Arabic.
"I agree that the current Ahly side are not the same impeccable side who dominated the African competition under Manuel Jose in recent years.
"They are in a rebuilding process and this could be useful for us. Yet we cannot underestimate Ahly.
"Big teams regroup in big events, and Ahly are one of these teams. It is a club empowered by its fans, history and wide reputation."
Neighbors
Benzarti, who led Esperance to the Tunisian league title last season, sees no significance in having to play the first leg in Cairo.
"In matches between neighbors, there is no place for such factors," added the former Tunisia coach.
"Playing in Cairo first could help my team as pressure might get to Ahly. We could also be put under the same pressure in Tunisia regardless of the first leg result."
Ahly’s last meeting with Esperance came in the 2007 Champions League group stage when the Tunisian giants grabbed a 1-0 victory in Tunis.
