"I played against Egypt in World Cup 1990 and we (Netherlands) had a tough time. Ahli also impressed me in the Club World Cup and their performance proves that Egyptian football is progressing," said the Dutchman at a press conference held in Cairo on Monday night.

The Reds shined last December in Japan as they won the bronze medal in the FIFA club World Cup just behind champions Internacional from Brazil and silver medalist Barcelona.

Captain Carles Puyol, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto’o showed up at the conference while Shadi Mohamed, Essam Al-Hadari, Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Abou-Treika and coach Manuel Jose were representing Ahli.

"I hope my team will produce a good display tomorrow. It’s a big match between the European and African Champions," Portuguese coach Jose said.

"The result doesn’t matter; the important thing is to entertain our fans. At the end of the day it’s an exhibition and I always said that our next encounter against Petrojet in the league is more important."

On the other hand, Argentina hottest prospect Messi thanked the audience for comparing him to Maradona and said he’s working hard to put his talent at the benefit of the team.

Abou-Treika said that he has nothing in mind right now about a transfer to Europe as he’ll miss this huge love of the people and that money isn’t everything in his football career.

Shadi thanked the board for giving his team-mates the chance of playing against the best players in the world and promised to exert a maximum effort to meet the fans' ambitions.