Ahli coach Manuel Jose is expected to field his players who are unable to get a league start in their Egyptian Cup opener against second-division side Koroum. Striker Ahmed Farag, who was linked with a move away from Ahli after failing to break into Jose's first-team plans since his summer arrival, has been included in the team's 18-man squad for the cup tie. Abdul-Hamid Ahmed, who joined Ahli on loan from Wadi Degla, and former Mansoura right-back Ahmed Ali have been also named in the squad. A host of regular players, including Mohamed Barakat, Sebastiao Gilberto and Ahmed Fathi, were rested for Thursday's game in the cup's round of 32. Jose is trying to keep his key players fresh ahead of a hectic schedule that will see Ahli play five rescheduled league matches in the space of 30 days. Should they progress in the cup; the Red Devils will play three additional games in January. Ahli will be hoping to avoid last season's upset when they host Alexandria-based side Koroum. The Cairo giants exited the competition at the first hurdle when they lost to Asyut Petroleum 1-0 last January. Ahli squad: Goalkeepers: Amir Abdul-Hamid, Ramzi Saleh Defenders: Wael Gomaa, Shadi Mohamed, Ahmed Al-Sayed, Mohamed Samir, Sayed Moawad, Abdul-Hamid Ahmed, Ahmed Sadik, Ahmed Ali Midfielders: Hossam Ashour, Ahmed Hassan, Hussein Ali, Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mahmoud Samir Strikers: Flavio Amado, Ahmed Farag, Osama Hosni
