Only one spot in the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League is up for contention out of this weekend’s matchups as reigning CAFCL champions Al Ahly of Egypt prepare to host Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman on Sunday. Three points separate the two teams with Ahly currently sitting in second place in Group A but a defeat would see the current Egyptian Premier League leaders sensationally crash out at the group stage, something that has not happened since the 2016 edition of the competition.
The key for Ahly according to observers and experts is not to play for a draw. Manager Pitso Mosimane welcomed the pressure of the match and stated that his team will look to close out their group stage fixtures with a victory to reassure supporters. Former Egypt national team striker and Zamalek legend Mido warned that the match will not be easy and agreed with Mosimane that playing for the win is a must.
Ahly has multiple absences to deal with due to injury, particularly in the defense. Center back Mohamed Abdemonem suffered a broken nose while competing for Egypt in FIFA World Cup qualifying and will miss out along with Ramy Rabia, who also suffered injury in Egypt’s playoff against Senegal. Starting right back Mohamed Hany is also out but a healthy attack will be counted on to help Ahly obtain the result they need.
Al-Hilal will have a healthy squad for the match that will likely feature Malawi international midfielder Gerald Phiri Jr. along with Nigerian Abdul Ajagun. Faris Abdalla should feature as an attack-minded right back and Kooora.com focused on the matchup that will take place between Ahly left back Ali Maâloul and Hilal right winger Yaser Muzammil, who has been prolific for the Sudanese side this season. Attention will also be directed at star Hilal forward Mohamed Abdelrahman, who has underachieved this season with only three goals so far this season.
