Having set a record by clinching the title 11 times, the Red Devils dominated last season and will be eager to extend their reign. They have made a strong start in the Egyptian league, winning their first four matches of the season before a 1-1 draw with Gouna FC just before the international break, currently placing them at the top of the domestic table.

Ahly showcased their strength in the previous round of the Champions League, securing their Group Stage spot with commanding 4-0 and 3-0 victories over Ethiopia's Saint George.

Swiss coach Marcel Koller urged his players to maintain focus and show intelligence in the match against Medeama.

"I expect the players to be fully focused against Medeama," stated Koller during the pre-match press conference. "We need to strike a balance between our attacking prowess and solid defending, as both aspects are equally crucial."

Meanwhile, Medeama, entering the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time, have displayed resilience by overcoming obstacles to reach this stage. They battled through four challenging matches in two qualifying rounds against Nigeria's Remo Stars and Guinea's Horoya AC.

Although the game may appear to be a straightforward fixture for Ahly, as they aim to defend their favoured title, Medeama can bring their unwavering spirit and tenacity to this encounter, posing a potential challenge for the Cairo giants.

Ahly have been drawn alongside Medeama, Young Africans of Tanzania, and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in Group D.

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