Ahli rarely endure such a barren run against any Egyptian team but Hodoud proved a stubborn and difficult opponent.

The Alexandria-based club opened last season with a surprise 2-0 victory over Ahli in the Super Cup.

They also held the Red Devils to two draws in the Premier League before defeating them in the Egyptian Cup final on penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

"Our superiority over Ahli is not down to our strength or skills, it is something from God," Hodoud coach Tarek Al-Ashri, who heaped praise on Ahli on many occasions during the past two seasons, told FilGoal.com.

"Both teams know each other very well, it will be a tight contest. Luck could play a major role in determining the winner."

High-profile Signings

Ahli stole the limelight during the summer transfer window with several high-profile signings.

They signed holding midfielders Mohamed Shawky and Hossam Ghaly, who have a vast of experience in European football, and Egypt forward Mohamed Nagi 'Geddo'.

Their squad already includes a handful of big names, including Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan and classy playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika.

A victory for Hodoud on Sunday would still be deemed a surprise result despite their recent supremacy over Ahli.

"Ahli are a world class team," Hodoud keeper Ali Farag, who became the team's first-choice guardian after Cameroonian Mathurin Kameni sustained a serious knee injury last season, said.

"It will be as if we are playing against the Egyptian national team. Our opponents have a lot of stars."

Al-Ashri will have a fully fit squad to choose from after Ahmed Eid and Ahmed Abdul-Ghani, Hodoud's most influential players, recovered from minor injuries.

The military club are eyeing their fourth title, having won the Egyptian Cup twice and the Super Cup once.