League titleholders Al-Ahly are taking their Egyptian Cup semifinal game against Military Production on Thursday in Cairo very seriously. The Red Devils' coach Hossam el-Badri predicts the clash to be a tough . Al-Ahly have reached the semis after beating Petrojet 1-0 on Sunday night in Cairo, thanks to a goal by Mohamed Abou Treika who was back in action. Military's coach Tareq Yehia said on Tuesday that he was very proud that his side ‘demolished' Enppi in the quarterfinals. "Our players deserved their 2-1 victory against Enppi 2-1 on Sunday night," he added. Ahly, meanwhile, entered a camp Tuesday night to get ready for Military. El-Badri said that his players are in very good shape. "Tomorrow's [Thursday] clash will be very difficult and the final even more so," el-Badri said on Tuesday. (That's if the Red Devils make it to the final). The fact that Production have made it to the semis is a tribute to their calibre." Military, who were promoted to the top flight for the first time last season, have had a very good season in the Egyptian Premier League, finishing seventh. It's also their first time to reach the Egyptian Cup final four. Meanwhile, Ahly's guardian Sherif Ekrami plans to use his kicking abilities to provide more scoring chances for his teammates. The former Feyenoord goalie, famous for a monster kick that usually reaches the edge of the opposition's penalty box, reveals it's time to make good use of his skills. "The manager [el-Badri] has given me instructions to use my powerful kick to send long balls into the penalty box," Ekrami said. "Actually I am working on it in training. You'll see me as a playmaker soon!" The 27-year-old goalie explained how he has managed to overcome his nervy start with Ahly since a winter move from Gouna. I've decided not to pay attention to the useless critics since joining Ahly," Ekrami added. "I'm training very hard, in order to make a good impression. I hope to make history with Ahly, just like my father." Sherif Ekrami, simply known as Ekrami or ‘Wahsh el-Afriqia' (The Wild Beast of Africa) also played between the sticks for the Red Devils. He's now Ahly's youth team coach. Sherif Ekrami, who initially conceded a couple of soft goals after becoming Ahly's first-choice keeper, has been in steady form recently for the league champions.
