Ahli will probably need to secure a comprehensive victory over Wadi Degla in Thursday's rescheduled Egyptian Premier League tie to dispel doubts ahead of their crunch African clash against Esperance. Coach Hossam Al-Badri did his bid to win over Ahli's demanding fans no favor after his side slumped to a 4-2 defeat at bitter rivals Ismaili last Sunday in their last CAF Champions League group-stage game. Although it was a meaningless affair, with Ahli already assured of a place in the semi finals and Ismaili resigned to the fact that they failed to go through, the Red Devils' supporters expected more from their team. Several key players were rested by Al-Badri but the Ahli faithful could not accept that as an excuse after seeing their team concede four goals against Ismaili. The pressure is increasing on Al-Badri, whose future might depend on the outcome of the Cairo giants' anticipated Champions League semi final clash against Tunisia's Esperance next month. Ahli would have hardly found a better opportunity to give their fans the assurance they are looking for as they will face a Degla side who made a poor start to their maiden top-flight campaign. The privately-owned club lie third from bottom in the 16-team table after collecting three points in five games. They have the worst defensive record so far this season after conceding 16 goals, five more than bottom side Arab Contractors. Ahli, who have five points from three games, will miss Egyptian international forward Geddo after he sustained a knee injury against Ismaili.
Ismaili eye fourth successive win Playmaker Abdul-Hamid Shabana, who joined from Ghazl Mahalla in the close season, could make his competitive debut after being included in Ahli's squad for the first time. Confident Ismaili Ismaili return to league action full of confidence despite their Champions League exit, thanks to their convincing home win over Ahli which sent their fans into raptures. The Dervishes are now entirely focusing on winning the premier domestic competition for the first time since 2002. They are expected to make it four wins out of four when they take struggling side Contractors in Thursday's earlier kick off. "Our victory over Ahli gave us a timely boost to compete for the league title," Ismaili assistant coach Ahmed Al-Agouz said. Harras Hodoud will be in desperate need of a win against Gaish to ease their African woes following their 2-1 home defeat by Morocco's FUS Rabat in the Confederation Cup which left their hopes of booking a last-four berth in tatters. They are still missing a number of regular players though, including injured veteran defender Islam Al-Shater and Egyptian international forward Ahmed Eid, who is suspended. Hodoud, who won the Egyptian Cup last season, could only gain three points from as many games. Gaish have seven points from five matches.
