Ahly manager Hossam El-Badry believes the qualification for the CAF Champions League semis will be determined in Rades, Tunisia next week not in Alexandria tomorrow night.

El-Badry's comments come ahead of his side’s last-eight first-leg with Tunisia’s Esperance at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, El-Badry voiced his confidence in his player’s abilities to win in Alexandria ahead of the return leg just a week later.

“I’m confident of claiming a victory (in the first leg). Everyone is motivated and keen to please our fans,” El-Badry said.

“The tie, however, will be decided in Rades. It’s a tie of two halves, the first takes place in Alexandria and the other will be played in Rades.

“A big meeting is awaiting us. Both teams are well known to each other.”

Twenty thousand fans will be allowed to cheer on Ahly from the stands against Esperance.

Esperance qualified for the knockout stage after winning Group C, with Ahly making it to the last-eight after finishing runners-up in Group D.

Eight-time African champions Ahly aim to return to Africa’s winning podium after last winning the Champions League title in 2013.    

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