African champions Ahli face a true test of character in Khartoum when they take on the invigorated Hilal side in the CAF Champions League on Sunday. The Egyptian giants are a shoe in the competition's semi-finals as they need only a single point from Sunday's game to secure top spot in their Group B. But things are not as easy as they look for the Red Devils who have been anything but impressive in their last three games. After three straight wins in their African campaign, Ahli stumbled to a 1-0 defeat to Esperance of Tunisia in the fourth round, delaying their qualification to the semi-final stage. They also needed a penalty shootout to overcome Ismaili and win the Egyptian Super Cup early in August before being held by Masri in the Egyptian league opener. Ahli coach Manuel Jose was very critical of his players' performance. "I warned my players against Masri's resilience at home, but they looked over-confident and failed to give the right performance," Jose said in the post-match conference. A FORCED LINE-UP Jose's task has been harder as he finds himself without some of his key players in Sunday's game. The Egyptian champions will be without star striker Flavio Amado and defending midfield duo Mohamed Shawki and Anis Boujelbene who are all suspended for the game.
Meteb will lead Ahli's attack Jose might be forced to field left winger Gilberto in the holding midfield position along with Hossam Ashour and Hassan Mostafa, which means that defender Ahmed Al-Sayed could be called upon to fill in for the Angolan on the left flank. Star midfielders Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Barakat are recovering from the flu but are set to start the game and combine with out-of-form striker Emad Meteb to threaten El-Moez Mahgoub's goal. That being said, Ahli's only stable line is the back line, with Essam Al-Hadari in goal and in front of him veteran trio Emad Al-Nahhas, Shadi Mohamed and Wael Gomaa. SUDANESE SUPREMACY Just like the Cairo giants are looking for an unprecedented third Champions League trophy, Hilal are seeking their first appearance in a semi-final since CAF adopted a new format for the competition. The Sudanese champions know that a win over their northern neighbors will raise their stakes in the competition and single them out as this year's Dark Horse. Hilal's coach Ricardo will be banking on more than one factor to overcome Ahli, including an expected capacity crowd in Khartoum and the high spirit of their players. The men in blue also have a precious record to protect as they have managed to stay unbeaten at home for 91 games over a period of five years. Even history is on the Sudanese side. Over the past 14 years Ahli have failed to win an away game against a Sudanese team, the last being in 1993 against Hilal's arch rivals Merrikh in the African Cup Winners Cup.
