Former Kenya international Sammy Omollo is convinced Al Ahly will come out on top against Kaizer Chiefs in the CAF Champions League final on Saturday.
Omollo, who retired from international football after making 20 appearances for the national team, is currently the assistant coach at Kenyan giants Gor Mahia.
Having seen his side knocked out of the CAF Champions League by CR Belouizdad in the first round at the turn of the year, Omollo knows how tough the opposition can be in Africa’s premier club competition.
And Saturday’s crunch clash will prove Chiefs’ sternest test to date as they aim to get the better of Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly.
When asked for his prediction for the final, Omollo made it abundantly clear that he did not favour a win for Amakhosi.
“Chiefs are just lucky to have made it to the Champions League final,” Omollo told Goal.com.
“I am not seeing them defeating Al Ahly at all, they are going to lose because of several factors.
“They are playing against Pitso Mosimane, their own, someone who understands their game and South African football inside out, so he definitely knows how to stop them.
“Another vital factor is the Chief’s defence. It is shaky and inconsistent. Yes, they kept a clean sheet in the semis against Wydad Casablanca, but their back four is generally weak. It cannot stop the defending champions from getting the crown.”
When asked whether Al Ahly would underestimate the threat posed by the Soweto club, Omollo added: “From what I have seen in my years against opponents from Egypt, they usually don’t underrate the opponents.
“Al Ahly will for sure take the game with all the seriousness it deserves. And I am not taking anything away from Chiefs, they have given their best from the preliminaries to the final, but that is where it is going to end.
“They will pick their lessons and work harder, maybe, they can replicate their run next season but with enough quality to help them lift the trophy. In football, it is always about learning.”
