Ahli will be seeking to avoid defeat against Enyimba in Aba. But to do so, they will have to overcome the hurdle of playing on a terrible pitch. The Red Devils' task of gaining an initiative in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final has been made difficult by the state of Enyimba's pitch. “The pitch is full of holes,” Ahli said on their official website on Saturday, one day before the anticipated meeting takes place. Enyimba too believe their home advantage may prove to be the difference. “They (Ahli) know Aba is one of the most difficult venues for any club in the Champions League,” Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu said. But Ahli coach Manuel Jose will rely on the experience of his veteran players, who defeated the Nigerian outfit away from home in their 2005 triumphant campaign. Ahli's current squad includes the likes of Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat, Flavio Amado and Shadi Mohamed. Those players formed the backbone of the Cairo giants' golden generation that won two successive Champions League titles in 2005 and 2006. Portuguese coach Jose will have a fully-squad to choose from for the decisive clash. No suspensions or injury worries disrupted Ahli's preparations for the game.
Enyimba don't fear Ahli Star playmaker Abou-Treika will shoulder Ahli's hopes to score a crucial away goal. He has been in sparkling form recently. The Egyptian international will be supported by Angolan Flavio Amado, who is usually deployed as a lone striker, and mercurial midfielder Mohamed Barakat, who often gets a roving role. As he usually plays in such difficult away encounters, Jose may opt to field three defensive midfielders in Ahmed Hassan, Anis Boujelbene and Hossam Ashour to contain Enyimba forwards. No Fear Enyimba, who are seeking to win their third Champions League title in history, are not intimidated by playing against five-time African champions Ahli. “Ahli are a good team but they are beatable and we'll prove it by beating them,” Anyansi-Agwu said. “They are not from heaven. They are a football team just like any other and my boys will not be intimidated by their names or presence.” “We have a lot of respect for them as one of the best teams in Africa, but Enyimba are no pushovers. “Nigerian football has come of age on the continent and we'll prove that on Sunday. It will be 11 against 11 and my players are fully prepared for the game.”
