Al Ahly SC midfield sensation, Emam Ashour says the team is well aware of the task ahead of them on Friday when they lock horns with all-time rivals, Zamalek SC in the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup on Friday, 27 September in Riyahd.
A sold-out Kingdom Arena will kick-off the much-anticipated tie at 21h00 Local Time (18h00 GMT) where TotalEnergies CAF Champions League record holders, Al Ahly SC face newly crowned TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup champions, Zamalek SC.
Speaking to CAFOnline in an exclusive sit down in Cairo ahead of the team’s departure to Riyadh, Ashour, who shares the importance of lifting what would be a 9th title and why it would be special to do it against their rivals.
CAFonline.com: With just days to go before the highly anticipated clash, how are preparations going in the camp?
Emam Ashour: Naturally, all the players are focussing on the preparations and getting ready for the big match. Everyone is aware of their responsibility and how we need to cover for one another in this match. It will not be an easy outing but Inshallah, we will be able to bring back the trophy.
How much of a challenge will it be knowing that it will be against your rivals, Zamalek SC?
Of course, these matches are always intense, and this will be even tougher due to us playing our rivals, but we cannot let that distract us from our preparations. We need to play the occasion and not so much the opponent.
In your opinion, what would be the deciding factors of winning such an encounter?
The players must remain in solidarity throughout this match, and we certainly count on the support of our supporters. Inshallah, we will triumph, but solidarity may be the deciding factor here.
What would lifting this title mean to your personally as a footballer?
I took part in the last edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, which was my first experience in this competition. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get this title, because it wasn’t Al Ahly’s turn. Currently, our entire team is focused on winning against Zamalek which would be even more memorable for me in my football career.
You had a great season with Al Ahly in several competitions. What has contributed to this?
Of course, playing for Al Ahly surrounded by great footballers who help your quick integration into the team makes all the difference. I don’t feel like a stranger, because these players give me the impression of being here since childhood, which is essential for a football player.
Final word to the fans ahead of Friday’s match?
It is undeniable that we count on the support of our supporters, and we hope that they will accompany us as always. Inshallah, we will all celebrate together at the end of the match.