Al Ahly coach Martin Jol believes their 2016 Egypt Cup final loss is not a setback ahead of Friday’s showdown against Zesco United in Suez.
The eight-time African champions buildup to their penultimate Group A clash in the 2016 CAF Champions League hit a pothole on Monday when they suffered 3-1 Cup final loss to archrivals Zamalek.
“The defeat by Zamalek will not have any negative impact when we play against Zesco United,” Jol told Egyptian media on Wednesday.
“I talked with my players and asked them to forget about the Cup defeat. Ahly is a big team with experienced players who should focus on every tournament and set aside any stumble.”
Al Ahly are seeking revenge against Zesco who beat them 3-2 in the first leg meeting in Ndola on June 18.
A debut away win in Egypt for Zesco will see them qualify to next months semifinals with a match to spare.
Zesco are currently second in Group A tied on seven points with Wydad Casablanca of Morocco.
Third placed Al Ahly have four points, level with bottom side ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire.
Your team didn’t look any bit BIG when Zesco kicked your behinds at Mwanawasa Stadium!!!