LEOPARDS (CONGO) vs. AHLI (EGYPT) Kickoff: 15.30 CLT CAF Champions League Group A Venue: Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso, Dolisie MATCH FACTS -Since making their Champions League debut in 1976, Ahli are set for their first-ever meeting against a team from Congo. -Leopards boast a staggering home record in African competitions, winning 15 games out of 17 while drawing once. The only team ever to win in Dolisie are Tunisia's Sfaxien. -Should Ahli lose in Congo, it will be the seven-time champions' worst-ever run in the competition's group stage. -Ahli have yet to win a clean sheet under Mohamed Youssef since he had taken charge in May. -The last time Ahli won a group stage game away from Egypt was back in 2008 when they beat Dynamos of Zimbabwe 1-0. QUOTES Leopards president Remy Ayayos Ikounga "It would be too naive to believe that the door is open to the semi-finals. The competition is still long and difficult. While we welcome the victory over Zamalek, we must always continue to work hard to ensure that the results are still favorable. "Egyptian clubs are not yet eliminated. You know the value of these clubs. I do not think they'll give up. They will continue to fight until the end. This is why I believe that the four teams still retain all their chances of qualification." Ahli coach Mohamed Youssef "The game against Leopards will be tough as our opponents will play in front of their own fans. However, we have the bigger motivation to win as we are defending the title we won last year. "It is crucial that we succeed in Congo. A victory would give us the push we need to reach the knockout stages." TEAM NEWS Ahli will be without two influential players as Egypt duo Ahmed Fathi and Hossam Ashour are ruled out through suspension. Leopards will be hoping to have captain and star striker Rudy Ndey back from injury after he limped off the 1-0 win over Zamalek this month.
