An Al Ahly star is wary of the challenge that awaits them in their next CAF Champions League encounter as they are poised to face Orlando Pirates in Soweto.
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The Club of the Century got their defence of their continental title off to a winning start as they defeated Ivorian side Stade d'Abidjan 4-2 at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Not to be outdone by their Egyptian counterparts, the Buccaneers also began their campaign in African club football's premier competition with a victory, as a brace from Mohau Nkota helped them earn a 2-1 win over CR Belouizdad away from home.
The two outcomes from the competition's opening matchday in Group C have set up Pirates' mouth-watering clash with Ahly at Orlando Stadium next week perfectly, but one of the Egyptian juggernauts' stars claims that their minds are not on the Sea Robbers just yet.
Speaking to the Al Ahly official website, as per Youm7, Karim El Debes admitted that their current focus is to beat Bank El Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, though he acknowledged the difficulties of facing a team like the South African top-flight table-toppers.
"We are not currently concerned with facing Orlando Pirates despite the difficulty of the match, its being held in the afternoon, and the long travel period. We are thinking about facing Al-Ahly Bank in the league," the 21-year-old said.
He also added how happy he was to have got off to a good start in the Champions League, although he did not like the fact that they conceded after leading comprehensively.
"I congratulate the technical staff and my fellow players. We had a strong start in the group stage, which gives us great confidence in the remaining matches," the central defender added.
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"We hoped that our goal would not be conceded, and we thank God for participating, and God willing, what is coming will be better. I will try as hard as I can to get tired in training so that I can participate again."
