File Photo: Ahly s Midfielder Hussein El Shahat prepares to score his goal during the match. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly.
This marks the first official encounter between the two clubs who will face-off for the title of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Buoyed by their recent Egyptian Super Cup triumph over arch-rivals Zamalek, Ahly enters the match against Al-Ain with high morale.
"At Ahly, we are expected to win all titles. Today's win gives us momentum for the future. We are extremely pleased with the Super Cup; it will give us a boost for the rest of the season," Ahly coach Marcel Koller said after Zamalek's game.
The Swiss coach will rely on his squad's strength and the support of a packed Cairo stadium against their star-studded rivals.
However, Ahly's attackers have struggled with recent finishing. League top scorer Wessam Abou Ali, along with Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau, will aim to improve their form, while influential midfielder Emam Ashour is still seeking to regain his spark.
In defense, Ahly face challenges. Center-back Yousef Aymen is sidelined with a concussion, right-back Mohamed Hany remains unavailable due to a thigh injury, and Morocco international Achraf Dari has only just resumed full training and may not be fit to start.
Rami Rabia and Yasser Ibrahim have recovered from minor knocks and are the only viable options in central defence.
Al-Ain banks on stars
Al-Ain's squad, led by former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo, arrived in Cairo on Monday.
Despite recent setbacks, the UAE side will rely on their star-studded lineup, featuring Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi, UAE forward Jonas Santos, Togolese forward Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba and Argentinian Mateo Sanabria.
Al-Ain faced a tough week, suffering a 5-4 defeat to Saudi side Al-Hilal in the AFC Champions League before settling for a 1-1 draw against Dibba Al-Hisn SC in the UAE league.
The UAE side bolstered their squad by securing attacking midfielder Gino Infantino on loan from Serie A giants Fiorentina to gear up for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
New competition
The Intercontinental cup has been introduced by FIFA to replace the Club World Cup which has been expanded and moved to the summer.
The prestigious tournament, which kicked off on 22 September, showcases champions from five continents: AFC Champions Al-Ain of the UAE, Real Madrid, New Zealand's Auckland City FC (winners of the OFC Champions League), champions of Copa America, and Mexican side CF Pachuca, champions of the CONCACAF.
Al-Ain exhibited a dominant performance in their opening match against Auckland City, securing a commanding 6-2 victory at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, setting up a clash with Ahly.
On 11 December, Conmebol will face off against CF Pachuca.
The winner of the Ahly vs. Al-Ain match will await the winner of the Conmebol-CF Pachuca game to determine the team advancing to the final of the tournament.
The final is scheduled for 18 December, featuring a showdown between Real Madrid and the winner of the fourth match.
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