JOHANNESBURG
The African champions Al-Ahly raised eyebrows at Orlando stadium in Soweto, South Africa, on Saturday when they performed the afternoon Muslim prayers before starting their training session.
"I admire the spirituality of these people," Patrick Sewuru, a cameraman for a local media house, told Anadolu Agency.
"I hope they will win the match on Sunday."
The seven-time champions Al-Ahly will play against Orlando Pirates Sunday in Soweto near Johannesburg for their final CAF Champions League Group A game.
The Cairo giants are at the top of the group with ten points, three points ahead of the South African side, who is expected to fight to win the game to end up as the group's leaders.
"We are Muslims and we must pray whenever it’s time for prayers, whether it’s on the field or on the plane or in the bus," Al-Ahly media center director Gamal Gabr told AA inside Orlando stadium.
Although the hosts will have home support, Al-Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef believes his players will win the match against Orlando Pirates.
"My players are well-prepared and I believe they will do their best," he said.
Smiling, Al-Ahly players seemed to be in an upbeat mood during their last training before the match, knowing that a draw would get them what they came for.
However, some of the team's stars expressed determination to avenge a humiliating 3-0 defeat in the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna last month.
The defeat was Al-Ahly's heaviest home defeat ever in the African Champions League.
"We are well-prepared for the match and hopefully we shall win," Al-Ahly and Egyptian national team superstar Mohamed Aboutrika told AA.
By Hassan Isilow – Anadolu Agency
englishnews@aa.com.tr
