File Photo: Ahly's defender Mohamed Hany fights for the ball during the match TP Mazembe.Photo courtesy of Ahly.
Thorup, appointed last week on a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace Spaniard Jose Riveiro, said he was eager to make a strong start in his debut match in charge of the record African champions.
“This is my first time coaching in the tournament, so I want to start strong with a win and build momentum,” Thorup told a pre-match press conference.
“Tomorrow’s match is the first half; the second will be played in Cairo,” he added.
The 55-year-old, who previously managed FC Augsburg and FC Copenhagen, said he had studied Aigle Noir closely and was confident his team were well prepared.
“I know a lot about African football and have a good understanding of Aigle Noir as well,” the Danish coach said.
Ahly, 12-time African champions, were knocked out in last season’s semi-finals and are chasing a record-extending 13th Champions League title.
The Red devils received a bye in the preliminary round due to their high CAF club ranking.
The Cairo side will be without several key players through injury, including Emam Ashour, Hussein El-Shahat, Ahmed Reda, Achraf Dari and Karim Fouad.
Aigle Noir advanced to this stage on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw with ASAS Djibouti Telecom, following a goalless draw at home and a 1-1 result away.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: