We are so close to making history and we will fight hard to get there - Hamouda Basheer - Orange CAF Confederation Cup 2010

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We are so close to making history and we will fight hard to get there - Hamouda Basheer

07-11-2012

We are so close to making history and we will fight hard to get there - Hamouda Basheer

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Al Ahly Shandy’s captain and Sudanese international midfielder, Hamouda Basheer believes he and his team mates stand on the verge of history if they can beat visiting Cotonsport Garoua and qualify for Orange CAF Confederation Cup mini-league phase. The Sudanese side go into the return leg of the second quarter final on the back of a 1-0 loss from the first leg played a fortnight ago in Garoua but Basheer says AL Ahly of Shandy can turn home ground advantage to their favour and score the goals they need to beat the Cameroonians. Basheer told Cafonline.com ahead of the match that a 1-0 loss should not be too hard to overturn but they have to watch out that CotonSport don’t score as well.

Cafonline.com: How much do you believe the first leg result can be overturned in your favour?

Hamouda: We didn't achieve a positive result yes but we consider it a narrow loss against a very good side. Our preparation for that first match could have been better and this time round we have improved on that. Of course Cottonsport is one of the big clubs on the continent and has an impressive CAF clubs competitions history and is capable of winning home and away but with determination and focus l believe we can overturn the 2-0 victory at our home in Shandy City.

Cafonline.com: What does Al Ahly Shandy have to do to win this match?

Hamouda: We need patience and concentration because this game is going to be very difficult. I hope that as players we can build on the believe that we can score at least two goals without conceding. Firstly however we have to get the first goal we need to level the tie and we have to attack but not recklessly because the situation will be harder if we concede a goal. So l am hoping that we go in search for three goals instead of two and make our task less complicated.

Cafonline.com: What positives did you take from the Garoua first leg, which you can build on in Sunday's game ?

Hamouda: In Garoua, we applied an excellent defensive style , with the exception of the only mistake which cost us the goal. We will turn the excellent defensive style to excellent offensive one.

Cafonline.com : You will make history should you win and qualify for group stage, is this something the players are aware of going into the match?

Hamouda: My teammates want to be seen on football channels allover Africa showing their talents and skills and by doing well in the CAF Confederation Cup which we are playing in for the first time in our first ever season in Sudan's Super League we are on course to do this. Yes we are aware of what awaits us should we reach the Group Stage . We are also very interested in winning this game for our fans. We want to make the history with this team.

Cafonline.com: How will you handle the pressure and expectations to win ?

Hamouda: There is intense pressure on us, but this a game we don’t need much determination and motivation to play it because we want to do well so much having come this far in the competition. We will be very cool but will compete fiercely during the match.

Cafonline.com: From your homework on the opposition (CotonSport) what do you need to watch out for?

Hamouda: Cottonsport is very strong side, and well organized in all departments possessing a good midfield and attack line.

Cafonline.com: What are you looking forward to most about this match ?

Hamouda: A 2-0 victory or a win by penalty shootout after we have won by the same score-line from the Garoua match. I really want us to win and qualify to the group stage and make history for the club our fans. I think we are so close to achieving this goal.

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