Mohamed Barakat, the former star of Al-Ahly, confirmed that the red team appeared fearful during the match against Sundowns yesterday, Friday, in the second leg of the African Champions League semi-final.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing Sundowns to qualify for the final at the expense of Al-Ahly.

Barakat said on MBC Masr channel: "Al-Ahly appeared fearful against Sundowns due to its exaggerated defensive style, while Sundowns delivered its best performance in the tournament, despite playing in front of a huge crowd of 70 or 80 thousand spectators."

He added: "There was a significant retreat from Al-Ahly, and we were all waiting for Sundowns to score the equalizer, and I am very surprised by the substitution that saw Akram Tawfik come on instead of Imam Ashour."

He continued: "It is illogical for a team as big as Al-Ahly, a giant in Africa, to rely on 8 players in a defensive role, and I do not blame Koller if he looked bewildered as he left the field, for the scene he experienced today will remain etched in his memory."

Barakat concluded his statements by pointing out the strength of Pyramids this season, saying: "Pyramids has become a strong competitor, not less than Al-Ahly and Zamalek, and this season could be historic for them by achieving three championships."