The match at Cairo International Stadium marks the 18th meeting between the two African heavyweights, who are evenly matched with five wins apiece and seven draws.
Ahly, record 12-time African champions, face a stern challenge from a Sundowns side that has grown into one of the continent’s most formidable forces in recent years.
Despite the stalemate in Pretoria, Swiss coach Marcel Koller remains optimistic.
“The game against Sundowns will be tough, especially after the 0-0 result in the first leg, but we are ready,” Koller said at a pre-match press conference.
“I’m confident the support from our fans will give us the motivation we need to win and reach the final,” Koller added.
Koller deployed a defensive 5-4-1 formation in the first leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, prioritising discipline and counterattacks.
Ahly created the better chances in the first leg game, with midfielder Emam Ashour and Slovenian forward Nejc Gradisar both testing goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Sundowns, led by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, will rely on a potent attack featuring Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro and Themba Zwane to break the deadlock in Cairo.
“We didn’t score in the first leg, but we are ready for the second,” Cardoso told reporters.
“Ahly and Sundowns are currently the best teams in Africa. One will go through, the other won’t. I hope we’re strong enough to come out on top,” the Sundowns coach stated.
Ahly reached the semi-finals after back-to-back 1-0 victories over Sudan’s Al Hilal, while Sundowns advanced with a narrow 1-0 aggregate win over Tunisia’s Espérance.
In the other semi-final, Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC will host South Africa’s Orlando Pirates on Friday, also following a 0-0 draw in their first leg.
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