Ahly face Bizertin in the second leg of the African Champions League round of 16 on Sunday (photo: Ahram)
Ahly's attacking midfielder Mohamed Barakat expects Tunisian side Bizertin to pose a bigger threat in the second leg of the African Champions League round of 16 after they failed to overcome the title holders at home.
The Cairo giants are favourites to reach the group stage after holding Bizertin to a goalless draw in a scrappy game last month.
"The second leg will be more difficult. The goalless draw will prompt both clubs to have an attacking approach," veteran midfielder Barakat, one of the mainstays of Ahly's huge success
"Both sides are keen to reach the group stage. Both sides have already known the strengths and weaknesses of each other following the first leg," he added.
The build-up to the game was overshadowed by widespread reports that Ahly's coach Hossam El-Badry is set for a premature exit. Libyan reports suggested that he had already agreed to take charge of Ahly Tripoli.
El-Badry has defied the odds last year to steer Ahly to a record-extending seventh Champions League triumph but he had complained that he was not given sufficient support by the club's board this term.
The Red Devils will host Bizertin behind closed doors after the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) imposed an indefinite crowd ban in the wake of recent fan troubles.
Ahly would have played without their fans even if the EFA sanction was lifted after they were ordered to play four games, with two of them suspended, behind closed doors by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The punishment came after Ahly's fans lit up firecrackers during the round of 32 game against Kenya's Tusker.
"Playing without fans at home will benefit Bizertin. We will miss our supporters," Barakat added.
Ahli will have to do without versatile defender Rami Rabiea after he picked up a knee injury that will sideline him for up to four weeks. Defender Sherif Abdel-Fadil is also doubtful due to a muscle strain.
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