Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has praised the squad of Zambian side Zanaco ahead of the two sides' game in the first round of the African Champions League group stage that kicks off on Saturday.

"I studied Zanaco's way of playing as I watched more videos for their latest games and I recognised how they play," El-Badry told a television programme late Thursday.

The record holders of eight Champions League trophies, Ahly will host Zanaco at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium Saturday.

"We are ready for the game against Zanaco. Their tactics depend on the pace of their wingers as they have more talented players in the frontline," the Ahly coach added.

"Zanaco is a good team; they managed to reach this stage of the African Champions League." El-Badry concluded.

Ahly were drawn in Group D of the CAF Champions League alongside Morocco's Wydad Athletic Club, Cameroon's Coton Sport and Zambia's Zanaco.

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