Striker Magdi Abdul-Atti has called on Egyptian fans to support Enppi in their Arab Champions League (ACL) final against Raja Casablanca on Tuesday. Enppi, who lack a strong fan base due to the club's tender age, will face Raja in the first-leg of the ACL final in Cairo and Abdul-Atti is worried that local fans could turn on the team in this crucial clash. "We really hope all of Egypt's fans come out to support us against Raja," Abdul-Atti told FilGoal.com in an exclusive interview. "I just hope their influence is a positive one, because we can't afford having our fans turn on us," he added. Enppi's administration had decided to open the doors of the Arab Contractors Stadium that will host the game for free to encourage fans to show up. Abdul-Atti commented on the ACL organizing committee's decision to hold the first-leg in Cairo without holding a draw. "Its an unfair decision by the organizing committee," he said. "As club and players we accepted it, but there should have been a draw deciding the venues for the two legs." "I'm sure fans would have flooded the stadium if the second-leg was held in Cairo," he added.
Enppi are on course for their first regional title Abdul-Atti is the top running contender for the ACL top-scorer award with 5 goals, one goal behind Khalaf Al Salama of Kuwaiti club Qadsia who is out of contention but still has a chance if the Enppi striker fails to deliver. Abdul-Atti's closest running competitor is Raja's Mustapha Bidodane who has 4 goals to his name. "I'm looking forward to scooping the award," the 29-year-old said. "I'm one goal behind the top-scorer and I have to games to play. I will definitely do my best." Enppi had filed an official request to the Egyptian FA on Saturday to postpone their local league match against Zamalek scheduled for May 10th. The Egypt Cup winners will face Raja in the second-leg of the ACL in Morocco on May 6th and will return to Cairo on May 8th, two days ahead of the scheduled Zamalek game. "The players will be exhausted after facing a tough team like Raja in the final," Abdul-Atti said. "We have to be ready because Zamalek's game is crucial for us. It will determine the team that finishes as runner-up."
