Al Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef admits that they expected a tough battle against Orlando Pirates after watching his side draw 0-0 with the Sea Robbers.
It was a positive result for the Egyptian side as they finished as Group A winners, which was what the coach was aiming to do ahead of the start of the game.
"It was a very difficult game. We expected this before the game, that Orlando Pirates would fight to qualify. And it's good, we both qualified," he said.
"But, like I said before the game, we wanted to be on the top of the group, and we did. And I congratulate all of the players and also the coach of Pirates, they made a good game.
"They attacked too much, but this is football and we also tried to catch them on the counter. But we could not score, at the end it was 0-0.
"In the semi-finals we play our first game outside, and the return match will be at home. Also, if we qualify for the final then we'll play the final in Cairo. So this is very good for us."
Check: The Final CAF Champions League Group Standings
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