Ahli duo Sherif Ekrami and Hossam Ashour are facing a race against time to be fit for next week's Champions League semi-final clash against Coton Sport. Both players were forced off Egypt's World Cup qualifying playoff first leg match in Ghana, where the Pharaohs were beaten 6-1 this week. Goalkeeper Ekrami, who conceded four of the goals in Kumasi, suffered a knee injury immediately after the fourth goal by Asamoah Gyan. Holding midfielder Ashour was taken off at half time with an elbow injury. Ahli are favorites to qualify for their second final in a row, having registered a 1-1 draw against the Cameroonian champions in the first leg.
