كتب : Hatem Maher
The Red Devils are favorites to reach the competition’s final for the fourth successive season, having held the Nigerians to a goalless draw in Aba.
But they mustn’t rest on their laurels if they are to continue pursuing a record-breaking sixth Champions League title.
A year ago, Ahli thought that the African title was pretty much in the bag following a goalless away draw with Etoile Sahel in the first-leg of the Champions League final.
But Etoile raised eyebrows by defeating Manuel Jose’s men 3-1 at Cairo stadium to claim their first Champions League title.
Although Portuguese coach Jose is quite confident Ahli would overcome Enyimba, he warned his players that a win can’t be taken for granted.
“We will not be playing on our own, there is another team who will do their best to reach the final,” Jose told Ahli’s official website.
“Enyimba have very good players who can make the difference.”
Ahli, who share with arch-rivals Zamalek the record of five Champions League titles, will have a full-strength side when they tackle Enyimba at Cairo stadium.
The only question is whether Jose will field two strikers. Flavio will either partner Ahmed Belal upfront or play on his own, with the support of star playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika.
Should Jose deploy Flavio as a lone striker, midfielder Ahmed Hassan is likely to be given an advanced role to play alongside Abou-Treika.
Belief
Enyimba do not think that their task is that difficult. They believe in their ability to cause an upset in Cairo.
“Can Enyimba win? Yes, we can. We have a real solid team that can win at home as well as away,” Enyimba’s head coach Maurice Cooreman told the club’s official website.
“We are not afraid of anyone. We just have to be focused throughout the game. Ahli are good side, but so too is Enyimba.”
The Nigerians will rely on striker Stephen Worgu to score a crucial away goal.
Worgu, 19, has attracted a host of suitors, including Ahli, after scoring 13 goals in the current Champions League campaign.