TP Mazembe coach Lamine N’Diaye says the players are tired of seeing of other clubs dominate the CAF Champions League.
The Congolese will face the defending African champions for the first time in the knockout stage for the first time.
The Mazembe coach has praised the leaders and players for their ambition after not competing in the tournament last three seasons.
Read: Tau & Koller fallout? Al Ahly legend responds
"We have leaders who have a lot of ambition. Going three years without a Champions League final is an anomaly for a club like Mazembe," N'Diaye said in an interview with CAF.
"I would also say that the players’ burst of pride was a key factor this year. TP Mazembe is a big club with a track record that goes beyond the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"The players were tired of seeing other clubs dominate the continent. They rolled up their sleeves and the results are now there.
N'Diaye claims Marcel Koller's a stronger now than when they started to the competition in the qualifying stages.
"We need to be at our best. We have great respect for Al Ahly who are the most successful team on the continent," he added.
"When they arrive at this level of competition, they are formidable, even more formidable than at the start of the competition. We expect a very difficult match.
"However, we have every chance. We will have to be good in both matches in order to make it to the final."
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