Ahly, whose Egyptian Premier League hegemony was disrupted last season, will be looking to send out a statement of intent when they meet Talae El-Geish in the Egyptian Super Cup on Tuesday.

The Red Devils failed in their bid to clinch a sixth straight league title, with perennial Cairo rivals Zamalek crowned champions for the first time since 2015.

Ahly won the lucrative African Champions League for a second straight season but losing a domestic title they rarely surrender still left a bitter taste in their mouth.

South African coach Pitso Mosimane now have a chance to make some amends and kick off the new season in the best possible way, with Ahly overwhelming favourites to win a record-extending 12th Super Cup.

This Super Cup edition was due to be played last year but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahly were domestic double champions in the 2019-20 season, with El-Geish finishing as runners-up in the Egypt Cup.

El-Geish gave Ahly a run for their money when they met in an exciting cup final last year, with the illustrious Cairo club edging their unfancied opponents 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Should El-Geish, who finished eighth in the Premier League last season, produce another spirited display, they could prove a tough nut to crack. The club are looking for their first ever title.

Ahly named several new arrivals in their squad for the game, including Mozambican winger Luis Miquissone and striker Hossam Hassan.

South African forward Percy Tau, Ahly's most prominent summer signing, is out though due to an injury.

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