Ahly's Midfielder Hussein El Shahat in action during the match with Belouizdad. Photo courtesy of Ahly Facebook page.
Currently leading Group C with seven points, they hold a three-point lead over South Africa's Orlando Pirates.
Belouizdad, positioned in third place with three points, maintain a two-point advantage over Stade d'Abidjan of Cote d’Ivoire in the group standings.
Ahly's coach, Marcel Koller, has underlined the team's preparedness for the impending challenge, highlighting the stern test that lies ahead for the defending champions.
"Belouizdad are a formidable team that posed numerous challenges for us in the first half of our previous encounter," Koller remarked during the pre-match press conference.
Despite Ahly's commanding 6-1 triumph over Belouizdad in their previous meeting in Cairo on 22 December, Koller acknowledged the hosts' determination to stage a comeback, buoyed by their home support and the urgency to rejuvenate their campaign.
"They will be eager to rebound, driven by the pressure of their current group standing and the impassioned backing of their supporters. Every match is unique, and this one will be decided by fine margins," added the Swiss coach.
The Red Devils will continue to be without several key players, including Omar Kamal, Taher Mohamed Taher, Mohamed Hani, and Moroccan midfielder Reda Slim, due to different injuries.
On the other hand, Belouizdad's coach, Abdelkader Amrani, has stressed that victory is imperative to keep his team's hopes alive in the competition.
"Our main objective is to prevent Ahly from scoring and to sustain our focus throughout the game," Amrani declared in the pre-match press conference.
"We have no choice but to secure a win in tomorrow's match to maintain our aspirations in the competition," he reiterated.
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