The defending champions are set to face the Ivorian side in the fifth round of Group D on Saturday, with the Cairo giants aiming for a win to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

Ahly currently sit second in the group with 7 points, one point behind leaders Orlando Pirates of South Africa, while Stade d’Abidjan languish at the bottom with just 1 point.

Koller acknowledged the impact of injuries but highlighted the opportunity for fringe players to prove their worth.

“The difficulty of our group largely stems from the injuries our team is currently facing. However, this provides an opportunity for players who don’t usually get regular playing time to step up in tomorrow’s match,” Koller explained during the pre-match press conference on Friday.

The 64-year-old coach also addressed the challenging conditions in Abidjan, including high temperatures, but praised the quality of the Stade d’Abidjan pitch.

“We noticed the high temperatures, but the stadium is in excellent condition,” he said. “We are happy with the environment here, and our sole objective is to win.”

Ahly come into the game under pressure following a narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria’s Belouizdad in the fourth round last Friday.

Koller, however, remains unfazed by the situation, citing the team’s experience in handling high-stakes matches.

“We are Ahly. Our players have been in similar situations before and know how to manage the pressure. These moments reveal the true character of our team,” he stated.

Koller emphasized the team’s focus and determination to claim all three points, while acknowledging the threat posed by Stade d’Abidjan.

“Football is unpredictable. Stade d’Abidjan scored twice in Cairo during our first meeting, which makes us even more focused for tomorrow’s game,” he said.

The coach also confirmed the departure of South African forward Percy Tau, who recently joined a Qatari club.

“Percy Tau is no longer part of Ahly. He has moved to Qatar and is currently playing there,” Koller announced.

Koller reiterated his team’s determination to overcome challenges and secure a vital victory.

“Our goal is clear: to win and bring home the three points,” he concluded.

The Red Devils will look to replicate their earlier success against Stade d’Abidjan, where they secured a 4-2 victory in their group stage opener and secure a place in the knockout stage.

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