Ahly, currently second in the group with seven points, trail leaders Orlando Pirates by one point. Stade d’Abidjan, rooted at the bottom with just a single point, will be playing for pride as their hopes of advancing have all but faded.

Swiss coach Marcel Koller remains optimistic about his team’s prospects despite their recent setbacks. Addressing the media in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Koller highlighted his team’s experience and resilience in high-pressure situations.

“Our players have faced similar challenges before and know how to deliver under pressure. Tomorrow, we will focus on securing the win and regaining our rhythm,” Koller said.

Ahly’s preparations for the match have been overshadowed by injuries to key players. Moroccan defender Achraf Dari is sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Tunisian fullback Ali Maaloul and South African winger Percy Tau are also unavailable. Tau’s absence follows his recent move to a Qatari club, confirmed by Koller.

The Cairo giants will also be without Omar Kamal, Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ Abdel-Moneim, and Taher Mohamed Taher due to injuries. On the brighter side, right-back Mohamed Hany has rejoined the squad after recovering from an earlier injury, although his fitness remains under evaluation.

Despite these challenges, Koller emphasized the opportunity for fringe players to step up in the absence of regular starters. “This is a chance for our squad to show its depth and for players to prove their value,” he added.

Stade d’Abidjan, winless in the group stage so far, face a daunting task against the record African champions. However, their spirited performance in the reverse fixture, where they scored twice in a 4-2 loss in Cairo, serves as a reminder of their potential to surprise.

Koller acknowledged the Ivorian side’s capabilities, stating, “They pushed us in Cairo and have nothing to lose. We must stay focused and disciplined.”

A victory for Ahly would not only bring them closer to securing a quarterfinal berth but also help them regain momentum after their narrow 1-0 loss to Belouizdad in the previous round, which ended their 27-match unbeaten streak in the competition.

“Our goal is clear: to return to Cairo with three points and keep our qualification hopes firmly in our hands,” Koller concluded.

The match promises to be a test of character for Ahly as they navigate injuries, a challenging away environment, and the pressure to deliver a strong performance on the continental stage.

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