What does Thorup say ahead of the clash with Espérance in the Champions League? | OneFootball

Thorup sends a strong message to Espérance before the quarter-final

Thorup / @x.com/CAFCLCC_ar/

The draw for the 2025/2026 African Champions League, held Tuesday at the Egyptian Football Federation headquarters, has produced a blockbuster quarter-final: Al Ahly will face Espérance de Tunis in a highly anticipated showdown.

Thorup sends a strong message to Espérance before the quarter-final

Speaking to the club's official media, Al Ahly coach Jesper Thorup described the match-up as "tough and balanced," emphasizing that his team heads into this encounter with a clear goal: to secure a place in the semi-finals.

The Danish manager also highlighted the importance of playing the return leg in Cairo, which he sees as a significant advantage. However, he was quick to remind everyone that the group stage is now behind them and all the focus is on the knockout rounds, where even the slightest mistake can prove costly.

Displaying determination, Thorup insisted that Al Ahly fears no opponent in their pursuit of another continental crown, while stressing that the squad remains fully focused on their commitments in the Egyptian Premier League.

The winner of this two-legged tie will face whoever comes out on top between South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien in the semi-finals.