Defending champions Ahly began their group stage campaign with a commanding 4-2 win over Stade Abidjan of Côte d'Ivoire on November 26. Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim scored twice, while Mohamed "Afsha" Magdy and Hussein El-Shahat added to the tally, securing an early lead in the group.

However, their record in South Africa remains a concern. In 15 previous encounters with South African teams, Ahly have failed to secure a win, drawing eight times and losing seven.

Ahly's Swiss head coach, Marcel Koller, expressed optimism ahead of the match, emphasizing the team's determination to end their South Africa hoodoo.

"It's time to end that record and secure a win against Orlando, even though we know it will be a tough match," Koller said during a pre-match press conference on Friday.

Koller stressed the importance of playing for victory. "Away matches are always difficult, unlike playing at home with the support of Ahly's fans. I never consider settling for a draw — I always push the players to aim for victory," he added.

Ahly's squad will be bolstered by the return of Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali and Moroccan defender Achraf Dari, both recovering from injuries.

On the other hand, Orlando Pirates are also in fine form, marking their return to the group stage after five years with a 2-1 away win over Algeria's Chabab Belouizdad.

Currently, they are tied on points with Ahly but trail on goal difference.

The South African side will aim to avenge their 2013 final defeat, where Ahly overcame a 1-1 first-leg draw with a 2-0 win in Cairo to clinch the title.

Orlando's home advantage and determination to reach the group's summit promise a fierce encounter against the title holders.