A nightmare scenario could see record holders Ahli suffer a stunning Champions League exit from the preliminaries but they are determined to avoid gifting Zimbabwe's Gunners a last-16 berth. The Red Devils usually enjoy a walk in the park in the two-legged ties which precede the group stage but things did not remain easy as they used to be. Ahli were not able to reach the group stage last season after failing to overcome Nigerian side Kano Pillars in the round of 16. They now risk an even more surprising elimination. Minnows Gunners, who considered withdrawing from the Champions League due to financial plight, caused a major upset by beating them 1-0 in Harare in the first leg of the competition's round of 32. "We need to tighten up in the second leg. We will work on how we will try to contain them in their own backyard," Gunners coach Darlington Dodo, who is seemingly plotting a defensive strategy in Cairo, said.
Abou-Treika boost for Ahli With Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri having an abundance of attacking talents at his disposal, Gunners are unlikely to find it easy to defend their first-leg advantage. Inspirational playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika came on as a second-half substitute in the first leg because he was still short of match fitness after recovering from a serious foot injury. But now he is ready to start the game, so is veteran midfielder Ahmed Hassan who was not available for selection in Harare due to injury. Egypt striker Emad Meteb, who scored twice to help Ahli beat Petrojet 2-1 in the Egyptian Premier League last Monday, is likely to be deployed as a lone frontman. "Abou-Treika's return to full fitness is a major boost for us," Al-Badri, who has yet to convince Ahli fans that he is the ideal replacement for Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, said. "The experience of the team's veteran players will be valuable for us in our league and Champions League campaigns. "The match against Gunners is not easy but we are fully ready for it. Concentration will be the key for us."
