Youssef lauds players’ positive spirit

Al-Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef has singled out his team’s positive spirit as the underlying factor in their triumph in the 2014 Orange CAF Super Cup.

The Egyptian ‘Red Devils’ beat CS Sfaxien of Tunisia 3-2 to coast to their sixth triumph in the annual one-off match that pit the winner of the Orange CAF Champions League against the champions of the Orange CAF Confederation Cup, on Thursday in Cairo.

Youssef said his team brushed aside a less-sparkling form in the ongoing Egyptian Premier League, to churn out their best outing yet this year to claim the trophy.

“Our performance in the league has been far from the best, but the players were ambitious and determined to win the Super Cup. It was a good game and great piece of football from both teams.

“The players were mentally focused on the game. They are the African champions and they proved that again.

Playing before their home crowd for the first time in two years, Youssef also counted the huge role of their support in the achieving their record-extending feat, adding the first goal was the turning point.

“We were cautious in the opening minutes because we wanted to prevent our opponents from scoring. The first goal boosted our confidence and we built on it.

“I’m satisfied with the performance of my players. They have been playing under difficult circumstances in the last three years, and always give their best.

The Al-Ahly trainer concluded he is the least perturbed about reports linking several coaches to his post.

“Personally, I’m happy to have won both the CAF Champions League and Super Cup. Today was a good moment for me.

“I’m not afraid of being sacked since its part of the coaching job. I remain focused on doing my best to help the club to achieve its targets.”

Youssef was elevated to the top spot following the departure of Hossam Al-Badri last year.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News