Marcello Lippi guided Guangzhou Evergrande to the AFC Champions League title (Photo: Reuters)
Guangzhou Evergrande coach Marcello Lippi predicted a tough battle against African Champions League winners Ahly as both sides lock horns in the opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.
"They [Ahly] are obviously a good team, well-organized. They are physically and mentally prepared well for the match. It will be a tough match for both of us," Lippi, who steered Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, told the pre-match news conference.
China's Evergrande won the AFC Champions League after recording some emphatic victories in the knockout phases while Ahly defied the odds to win Africa's premier club competition for the second successive season despite a variety of problems plaguing Egyptian football.
The winners of their quarter-final tie will set up a mouthwatering clash against European champions Bayern Munich.
"Hopefully, we can make through to meet Bayern," added the 65-year-old coach.
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