Ahli may lack Mohamed Abou-Treika's spark but they will be determined to clinch a record fourth African Super Cup title when they host Sfaxien at Cairo Stadium on Friday. Abou-Treika will not have the chance to repeat his 2006 heroics against Sfaxien due to a knee injury. In the 2006 Champions League final, a stunning last-gasp volley by the classy playmaker broke Sfaxien hears and gave the prestigious title to Ahli. "We are not concerned weather Abou-Treika will play or not; we respect Ahli as a team," Sfaxien manager Ghazi Gherairi said. After winning a record-breaking sixth Champions League title in November to surpass Zamalek, who won the trophy five times, Ahli will be looking to confirm their African supremacy by moving further away from their arch rivals. Ahli and Zamalek share the record of three Super Cup triumphs. The Red Devils' assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri believes Sfaxien will pose a greater threat than 2006. "The current Sfaxien side are totally different," he told Ahli's official website.
Mardassi seeks revenge "They strengthened their squad and notably improved. The match will be very difficult." In addition to the inspirational Abou-Treika, Ahli will miss striker Ahmed Belal and Qatari winger Hussein Yasser, who have been overlooked by coach Manuel Jose. Revenge Sfaxien are keen to eradicate the memory of their bitter 2006 loss by causing an upset at the 74,100-seat Cairo Stadium. "We want to add the Super Cup to our trophy cabinet but we also seek to avenge our defeat against Ahli," Sfaxien skipper Issam Mardassi, "We regained our confidence after that defeat and are eager to demonstrate that we have what it takes to win the Super Cup." The Tunisian side, who won the CAF Confederation Cup by overcoming compatriots Etoile Sahel, have yet to win the annual one-match competition. Watch Abou-Treika's stunner against Sfaxien
