Al-Ahly's Amr Gamal (C, top) is tackled by Wydad's Amine Atouchi (C, bottom) during their CAF Champions League group A stage football match between Egypt's Al-Ahly and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca at the Borg el-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on July 16, 2016 (AFP)
Egyptian Champions Ahly will face a crucial test on Tuesday against Morocco's Wydad Casablanca to ensure their continuation in the African Champions League.
If they win the away match in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, the Red's will secure their qualification to the tournament's quarter final.
"It's going to be a difficult match between two continental giants, and also due to the expected attendance of the Morocco fans," Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry told reporters in Morocco on Sunday.
"Ahly is aiming for a positive result despite the fact that we will be playing away from home. Winning the match will officially ensure our qualification for the quarter final," the coach explained.
"We recognise the difficulties the match is going to pose, especially as it's the last chance for the Moroccans to qualify, but Ahly players are experienced enough to deal with these kinds of matches," the 57-year-old tactician added.
Ahly currently lead Group D of the Champions League group stage with 7 points. The Reds defeated Wydad, in third place with three points, 2-0 at home two weeks ago.
Backed by around 45,000 supporters at the Mohammed V Stadium, Wydad faces a do-or-die mission to keep their African hopes alive.
"The two teams know each other well after our recent match, but Wydad will be boosted this time by its fans," said El-Badry, who guided Ahly to win the Champions League title in 2012.
"All our players are competing for a place in the match as they want to continue the campaign towards the African title and onto the FIFA Club World Cup," El-Badry said.
Veteran midfielder Hossam Ashour will boost Ahly on Tuesday, after recovering from a strain in his chest.
On the other side, Wydad's coach Hussein Amotta also believes that his team's mission will not be an easy one.
"The match will be difficult for both teams and winning won't be an easy mission," Amotta said hours before the match.
"Our preparations went well amid high morale and I hope to see this enthusiastic atmosphere in the stadium," he added.
Defender Younes Bellakhdar is the prominent absentee for Wydad due to an ankle injury, while Liberian striker William Jebor will also be missing due to family reasons.
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