Ultras Ahlawy, a group of hardcore Ahly fans, will return to the stands for the first time since the February 2012 Port Said disaster when the team host Kenya's Tusker in an African Champions League round of 32 game on Sunday.

Thousands of Ultras Ahlawy members are expected to attend the game at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium, ending a year-long boycott following Egypt's worst-ever football disaster.

The tragedy, which left more than 70 Ahly fans killed, prompted their die-hard supporters to shun the team's home games until a verdict was delivered in the infamous Port Said trial.

A court ruling sentenced 21 Masry fans to death and handed down life sentences for five others. It also sentenced two police officials to 15 years in prison, soothing the anger of Ultras Ahlawy who, despite their initial furious reaction, cooled off after the Egyptian Football Association premises was set ablaze.

"It's not a normal convergence; this will not be a normal day. It's a day for the martyrs, a day in which we will etch their names in history," Ultras Ahlawy said on their official Facebook page.

"We are returning to the stands for the first time in more than a year … the place where we started and where we will continue our message."

Fans are banned from attending domestic matches due to security concerns. However, a limited number of supporters are usually allowed to attend Champions League games.

Ahly are expected to seal smooth passage to the last 16, having beaten Tusker 2-1 away in the first leg, thanks to a brace from striker Emad Meteb.

However, coach Hossam El-Badry, who steered the Red Devils to a record-extending seventh Champions League title last year, sounded a cautious note.

"I refuse to underestimate Tusker," El-Badry told the Confederation of African football (CAF) official website on Saturday.

"Beating them in their own ground doesn’t mean the mission is done and dusted. We still have a game here and it won’t be an easy one. This is a crucial and tough game and we have to keep focused."

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