File Photo: Masry vs Simba. Photo courtesy of Masry Facebook page.
The Green Eagles earned their place in the secondary continental competition after finishing fourth in the Egyptian Premier League last season, marking their second consecutive appearance and seventh overall in the tournament.
However, Masry enter this season’s campaign at the second preliminary round, having received a bye due to their CAF club ranking.
In last season’s competition, the Port Said-based club advanced to the quarterfinals before falling to Tanzanian giants Simba SC in a tense penalty shootout.
Under Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki, Masry sit top of the domestic league standings following some soild performances, establishing them as genuine title contenders.
Kouki is expected to rely on his potent attacking duo of striker Salah Mohsen and Algerian winger Abderrahim Deghmoum, as well as midfielder Omar El-Saaiy to secure a favourable result in Tripoli ahead of the home game.
Al-Ittihad, making their 12th appearance in the competition, advanced to this stage by defeating Ethiopia’s Wolaita Sida SC 3-1 on aggregate.
The second leg will be held at Suez Stadium on Sunday, 26 October.
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