Ahli will have to be cautious while taking on Kano Pillars in the return leg of the CAF Champions League round of 16 on Saturday at Military Academy Stadium if they want to guarantee a spot in the group stage. Although many pundits believed the first meeting would be a breeze for the title holders, Ahli hardly salvaged a 1-1 draw at the Nigerian outfit, who were much more consistent than expected. The surprising result has earned Kano confidence ahead of the second leg, especially that they have got accustomed to their opponents' playing style, and now they are sharpening their teeth. "So far we've been doing very well in this year's Champions League. Our boys are very hungry and they want to make a good name for themselves and their club," Kano president Alhaji Babangida told FilGoal.com. "We have a very bright chance; otherwise we wouldn't have come to Cairo. "We know Ahli better now after the first leg, and I think we're capable of registering a result like a 2-2 draw or even beat Ahli." A win or a goalless draw would be enough for Ahli to go through, Whereas Kano have to pull off a win to reach the next round. Distraction What could be a significant distraction for Ahli in Saturday's showdown is their fierce domestic competition.
Shadi to miss the game Unlike the past few years, the Egyptian Premier League is still hanging in the balance till May, with the Cairo giants lying in second place while Ismaili are three points clear at the summit. Defending champions Ahli, who have one more game in hand, will face the Dervishes in a decisive play-off if both teams remain tied on equal points till the end of the season, as their league meetings don't favor either side. For this reason, the next fortnight will be extremely crucial for the Red Devils' league campaign, which poses a burden that might affect their concentration on the continental clash. Backline Void Shadi Mohamed, who missed the first leg, has recuperated from the groin injury that kept him on the sidelines for more than a couple of weeks and was included in the squad, even so, Ahli's backline will not be at full strength. Veteran defender Wael Gomaa has been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring problem, to leave head coach Manuel Jose bemoaning again. The Portuguese tactician is expected to field Mohamed Samir to fill the backline void, but the youngster came across as an incompetent rearguard replacement when he deputized for skipper Shadi in the last three matches. Apart from the defense dilemma, substitute frontman Osama Hosni pulled out the squad for technical reasons. Striker Ahmed Belal was named in the 18-man list for the first time in several weeks, but he's not expected to be included in the starting eleven.
