The last time Barcelona played in Cairo they beat Ahli 6-1, but that was in over 26 years ago and things have changed a lot since then. Today, as Ahli officially celebrate their 100 year anniversary, Barcelona players will bless the pitch of the Cairo International Stadium. However, this time, the clash will be between the European champions and their African counterparts. While both coaches, Frank Rijkaard and Manuel Jose, highlighted the fact that Tuesday's encounter will merely be an exhibition game to celebrate Ahli's achievement, there remains a lot at stake. Egyptian and African champions Ahli have entered the phase where local and continental recognition is not enough, which means they will be more than ready to go head to head with Barcelona and do their best to entertain the over 70,000 spectators who will overflow the Cairo International Stadium. As for the Catalan giants, a victory over Ahli could help restore some of their pride that was tainted by their recent defeat to Villarreal in the Spanish Primera Liga on Sunday.
Messi and Ronnie Not to mention that the Spanish champions will be looking to avoid the fate of arch-rivals Real Madrid who lost to Ahli 1-0 in August 2001. Egypt's fans will be counting on Barcelona players, especially Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Deco, to display some of their magic against Ahli's defense which will include the likes of Emad Al-Nahhas, captain Shadi Mohamed and Egyptian international Wael Gomaa. On the other hand, they will be expecting an exemplary performance from Egypt's sweethearts Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat and Emad Meteb, in addition to Angolan striker Flavio Amado. Probable line ups: Ahli: Essam Al-Hadari, Emad Al-Nahhas, Wael Gomaa (Ahmed Al-Sayed), Shadi Mohamed, Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Shawki, Anis Boujelbene (Hassan Mostafa), Tarek Al-Saied, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Meteb, Flavio Amado. Barcelona: Victor Valdes, Gianluca Zambrotta, Carles Puyol, Lilian Thuram (Rafael Marqez), Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Xavi Hernandez, Deco, Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o.
