Al Ahly coach: “Sundowns’ goal came late and there wasn’t enough time to turn things around.”

Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller expressed his deep disappointment after his side was knocked out of the CAF Champions League semifinals by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Al Ahly drew 1-1 at home in the second leg, following a goalless draw in the first leg in South Africa allowing Sundowns to qualify for the final on away goals.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, as quoted by FilGoal, Koller said:

“It’s a big disappointment. Our goal was to make history for Al Ahly by reaching the final, but we failed to do so because of an own goal we scored against ourselves.”

“We took the lead and became more defensive. We didn’t want to take risks. We knew that a 1-0 scoreline is a deceptive result. Their goal came late and there wasn’t enough time to turn things around.”

When asked if the setback could lead to his dismissal, the club’s media coordinator refused to allow the question.

Koller concluded: “There are always repeated questions about the substitutions. We were playing well and there was no reason for early changes. I watch the game and know when to make a substitution.”

Mamelodi Sundowns will now face fellow Egyptian side Pyramids in the CAF Champions League final. Pyramids secured their spot after a 3-2 aggregate win over South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.