Africa: Ahly Coach Thorup Welcomes Away-First Advantage in Esperance Showdown
AllAfrica
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup has expressed optimism about their upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Champions League quarter-final against Esperance Sportive de Tunis. Despite labeling the encounter as a "tough mission," Thorup views the away-first format as advantageous, allowing Al Ahly to conclude the two-legged tie in Cairo, where they will have the support of their home crowd. This strategy, he believes, could be pivotal in securing a place in the semi-finals.
Al Ahly advanced to the knockout stage as Group B winners with 10 points, narrowly edging out Morocco's AS FAR by one point. While Thorup acknowledged this achievement, he quickly redirected focus to the challenge at hand, emphasizing that the group stage is now behind them. He highlighted the strength of the remaining competition, noting that all teams left in the tournament are formidable contenders.
Esperance, as four-time African champions, brings a wealth of experience and prestige to the table, making this clash a high-profile North African showdown. The winner will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Stade Malien in the semi-finals. Thorup stressed that Al Ahly's sole objective remains winning the trophy, regardless of their opponents.
The coach also underscored the importance of playing the second leg at home, where Al Ahly's passionate fans can provide a crucial boost. However, he emphasized that the team must remain focused on their domestic league commitments before fully turning their attention to the Champions League showdown.
This match is significant not only for Al Ahly and Esperance but also for African football as a whole. The clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two giants of the continent, with both teams aiming to advance further in the competition. Fans worldwide will be eagerly anticipating this high-stakes showdown.
Verticals
worldafrica
Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/20/2026