Ahli have to overturn their 2-1 trailing to Platinum Stars if they are to stand any chance of securing a CAF Champions League quarter-finals spot. The corresponding fixture last season saw Ahli vying another South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns, for a group stage ticket. However, this time the Reds are in need for goals at Cairo Stadium, which might be crucial if fans were present in numbers. The hectic atmosphere inside the stadium is something that Stars coach Miguel Gamondi well aware of when his side visit the Egyptian champions. "We know the crowd will put huge pressure on us in the first 20 minutes and try to intimidate the referee," said the Argentine. "Luckily, we are used to having very little support — every game is an away game for us!" Amir Returns Another critical aspect will be the return of goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid to action, after missing out on the last two league defeats to Ittihad and ENPPI.
Amir ready Ahli were obviously having problems in goal without their first-choice guardian as they conceded five goals in two games. However, the 28-year-old is confident he can be fit for the crucial tie. "I came through the latest training session unscathed," Amir said. "I'll be included in the starting line-up against Platinum Stars." Gamondi has also highlighted the significance of Ahli's goalkeeping problems, following Essam Al-Hadari's departure. The Argentine tactician claimed that, even in Amir's presence, Ahli have become 'vulnerable' after Hadari left for Sion, and that he had to capitalize on that gap in the first leg. Besides Amir's return, Manuel Jose is expected to recall a host of key players, who were rested in Ahli's recent Egyptian league matches. Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat, Flavio Amado, Emad Meteb and Shadi Mohamed are all ready to steer the Reds into the last eight.
