Al Ahly assistant coach Samy Komsan has stressed the importance of their upcoming CAF Champions League clash against Orlando Pirates, even as anticipation builds for their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
The Red Devils were placed in Group A during Thursday's Club World Cup draw in Miami, alongside Brazilian giants Palmeiras, Portuguese heavyweights Porto, and MLS outfit Inter Miami.
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The Egyptian side is set to kick off their tournament campaign against Messi and Co. in June 2025.
However, Komsan has made it clear that Al Ahly's immediate focus lies on Saturday's group-stage CAF Champions League showdown with the Buccaneers.
"The Orlando match is important in a tournament in which we are the champions, and we seek to win it again," Komsan told Al Ahly TV per Btolat.
Despite reports of anxiety stemming from recent domestic results, absences of key players, and past defeats to the Betway Premiership side, Komsan believes his team has what it takes to overcome these challenges.
"The players are used to playing in the South African weather and we are not looking for excuses, but rather we are striving to achieve our goal. Al-Ahly players are able to play under any circumstances," the coach added.
Reflecting on the Club World Cup draw, Komsan expressed pride in the Club of the Century's stature on the global stage.
"Being present at an event like this for the first time in history is a big thing, and it indicates the extent of appreciation for Al-Ahly's size and name."
"As for facing Messi, he is the best player to have touched the ball in history," the Egyptian added.
"It is a great honour to compete with those we used to watch, but the most important thing for us is the Orlando Pirates match."
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