CR Belouizdad manager Marcus Paqueta has discussed the team’s chances of facing Al Ahly in their CAF Champions League fixture at the 5 July 1962 Olympic Stadium in Algiers on Friday.

With qualification still up for grabs, Paqueta knows his side face a huge test against the continental titans in the postponed Group D clash.

“The match between Al Ahly and Belouizdad is a derby between two prestigious teams,” Paqueta stated at his pre-match press conference in Thursday as quoted by CAFOnline, adding: “We will approach this confrontation with great concentration to secure points, especially since our team is the host.”

Paqueta stressed the game’s magnitude for both clubs vying for quarter-final berths. But he insisted the result alone would not determine who progresses.

“The game will be tough for both teams, not just for Belouizdad,” outlined the Brazilian coach, adding: “Both teams will play their last match of the group stage at home, so the result of this match will not be decisive. We have a strategy for playing matches, and we aim to win both at home and away, instilling this mindset in the players.”

Setif goalkeeper Alexis Gendouz acknowledged they face a Herculean task against the Egyptian club. “Victory against Al Ahly will make our mission easier. Our goal is qualification, and we will enter the match with full determination to win,” insisted Gendouz.

Al Ahly will also be without key man Aliou Dieng due to injury in a further blow for the Cairo outfit.