Ahead of Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns' blockbuster African Football League semi-final clash, an Egypt icon has claimed that the Masandawana faithful are more worried about the match than their Red Devils counterparts are.
Former striker Mido is not only a legend of Egyptian football, but also of African football. Having made a name for himself on the European stage with Ajax Amsterdam, the Cairo native went on to play for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique Marseille and AS Roma.
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While he showcased his goalscoring ability in some of the biggest leagues in the world, Mido started his career with north African giants Zamalek.
Despite having representing Al Ahly's arch-rivals as a player, however, the 40-year-old is backing the Club of the Century to get the better of Rulani Mokwena's charges.
"Sundowns is one of the teams with an identity on the continent of Africa and they have a very distinctive playing school," the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations winner said on Al-Mehwar.
"No matter how many players Sundowns loses or if they change the coach, they have one playing philosophy. A team that is tired and annoying for any team.
"Sundowns is defending better this season than in previous years. [Teboho] Mokoena has improved greatly.
"Just as Al Ahly fans are worried about facing Sundowns, the fans of the South African team are more worried than the Al Ahly fans.
"Al Ahly can always, or most of the time, with its players and accumulated and personal experiences, overcome Sundowns, despite the difficulty of the confrontation."
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The first leg of this semi-final is set to take place this Sunday at Loftus Versfeld at 16:00 CAT.
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