Buoyant by two morale-boosting victories over arch rivals Zamalek, the Egyptian champions will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to Group A.

Ahmed Hassan masterminded Ahli's recent wins, and the Egypt captain will carry on his role of deputizing for talismanic playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Abou-Treika, who scored the only goal in superb fashion in the corresponding fixture last year, is still sidelined due to a troublesome knee.

Emad Meteb will also miss the game with a hamstring, which means that Flavio Amado is set to start alone upfront.

However, Manuel Jose was boosted by the return of key winger Gilberto, who recovered from an ankle injury.

Jose will decide whether to keep Sayed Moawad on the left flank or reinstate the versatile Gilberto.

The Portuguese tactician played down concerns over the artificial turf of ASEC's home ground, stressing that the pitch will not be a problem.

Even though the game will not be played at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, which is under reconstruction, the Ivorian giants are well known for being deadly at home.

Coach Patrick Liewig is no stranger to Ahli confrontations as the Frenchman led ASEC in four encounters against the Reds during the past couple of years.

ASEC have often yielded some of the finest talents in Ivory Coast, but Liewig's young side will not find life easy when they clash with an experienced Ahli team.