Following his team's 2-1 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the African Football League final on Sunday, here is what Wydad Casablanca's head coach said ahead of the reverse fixture in South Africa next weekend.
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An own goal from Rivaldo Coetzee and a late second-half strike from Anas Serrhat gave the Moroccan giants the advantage over Downs, who were back on level terms for just four minutes following Abdelmounaim Boutouil's goal from the penalty spot in the 74th minutes.
This coming Sunday, meanwhile, Rulani Mokwena's side will host Wydad in the return leg at Loftus Versfeld in what promises to be an entertaining and thrilling affair between two evenly-matched opponents.
Speaking to reporters after the game, though, Wydad coach Adil Ramzi suggested it will be the South African champions who are under pressure given their struggles in continental tournaments in recent years.
"Sundowns followed methods that were unfamiliar to them, by wasting time, not returning the ball to us when stopping, and many protests," he said, according to Kooora.
"I think that after their failure to win continental championships in the past seasons, they may see this format as a solution that will lead them to victory and influence their competitors. I expect greater ferocity from them on their home field, and we are ready for all scenarios.
"Just as we won in our home stadium, we are able to repeat that in Pretoria. I do not see this as impossible, even if it is difficult, but if the same spirit and combat is present among the players, nothing will stop us.
"During periods of pressure, they scored against us, as happened against Esperance [de Tunis]. We must address this defect and confront the midfield battle in the return match.
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"Now we will rest a little. We have a margin of time to prepare well for the return match, unlike the previous matches. We are satisfied with what has been achieved and we must manage the absences, but we should not forget that we were victorious and this is very important."
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