Egyptian giants, Al Ahly started the mini league stage of the 2014 Orange CAF Confederation Cup with a 2-0 victory over Zambian visitors Nkana on Saturday in Cairo.
Second half goals from Amr Gamal and Mohamed Nagy “Geddo” gave Ahly their first three points in Group B of the second-tier continental club competition.
After a barren first half, substitute Amr Gamal needed just 50 seconds to break the deadlock with virtually his first touch, whilst Geddo headed in from Ahmed Fathy’s corner on 56 minutes.
“It’s not important that I score goals, what’s important is to do my job with full commitment”, the 22 years old striker told Cafonline.com after the game.
“We played well in the first half but missed many scoring chances. When you create scoring chances, the goals will surely come afterwards”, added Gamal.
The youngster made his debut in last year’s Champions League which Ahly finished Champions, but he firmed his fast-rising status after scoring a brace in the 2014 CAF Super Cup to help Ahly win their sixth trophy.
“Goals are gift from Allah. When you do your job you will get rewarded. Nkana game is history now, and we have to start preparing for our next mission”, he concluded.
Ahly interim coach, Fathy Mabrouk gave the young striker a pat on his shoulder.
“Gamal’s introduction changed the game into our favour. He scored just after his introduction and that gave us relief early after the break.
“I told the players to keep going for goals and they made good use of the crosses and scored twice”.
Mabrouk also paid tribute to the second goal scorer Geddo after the striker suffered a long goal drought.
“Geddo is a great player and he proved that against Nkana. We can rely on him to lead our attack in the coming games”, added Mabrouk.
On the opponents, Mabrouk said “they (Nkana) are a very good team and I warned my players about their attacking force. It was a must to win our first home game. Now we will go to Tunisia to face Etoile du Sahel and will try to win again”.
Nkana coach Masauso Mwale expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance despite the loss.
“Ahly is a great team and their players are hugely experienced. We missed some chances in the first half that could have changed the game’s result. Lack of concentration cost us much today, but we still have a good chance to qualify. Now we shift our attention towards our next game against Ivorian side Sewe Sport”, he told Cafonline.com.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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