Wael Gomaa is confident that his Ahly team can beat CS Sfaxien

Ahly failed to justify the role of favourites in the first leg of the final and were held 1-1 at home, leaving their bid for a record-equalling fifth title in the balance.

Gomaa, who helped Egypt win the African Nations Cup last February, admitted his team-mates were feeling the pressure of a seemingly endless domestic and international programme.

"Obviously, the result in Cairo was not a positive one for us," he said.

"We wasted several chances after taking the lead and were caught napping by a sudden counterattack.

"But I'm confident we can defeat Sfaxien in Tunisia and keep the trophy.

"Although we are suffering from playing so many matches, the desire to conquer Africa again is undiminished."

Ahly, who celebrate their centenary next year, have been a dominant force in domestic and international football for three decades.

Ahly ran out of energy early in the second-half of the first leg against Sfaxien after Ghana-born striker Joetex Frimpong stunned a capacity 80,000 Cairo crowd by drifting to the far post and tapping a cross over the line.

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"We cannot continuously perform brilliantly at the highest level.

"Ahly players are not machines. We are human beings and I have to say that we are suffering from exhaustion," conceded Gomaa.

Gomaa also slammed reports that he was deliberately underperforming so Ahly would sell him during the January transfer window.

"I would never do something like that. I'm a religious person and have ethics, and that's the secret behind my strong performances and success," he insisted.

"A combative style of play and spirit are my trademarks and I would not compromise them to put pressure on the club to sell me. Those who know me realise that."