Esperance coach Faouzi Benzarti highlighted the threat that Ahli's international players might pose in Sunday's anticipated Champions League tie but singled out Mohamed Abou-Treika for praise. The Tunisian side visit Cairo to face six-time African champions Ahli in the first leg of the competition's semi final in a repeat of their famous 2001 meeting in the same stage. Benzarti is aware that Ahli boast a star-studded squad but classy playmaker Abou-Treika is the player who worries him the most. "The majority of Ahli players are very good ones. They play in the Egyptian national team who won the African Cup of Nations three successive times," Benzarti told Egyptian radio on Friday. "But I think that Abou-Treika is their best player. He is an outstanding and very polite player who has very special skills. He always makes the difference for his team." Abou-Treika, who is yet to find top gear this season, produced a superb display in Ahli's late 2-1 Egyptian Premier League victory over Military Production last Monday. He scored the winner with few minutes remaining after Production keeper failed to deal with his close-range bicycle kick. The 31-year-old led Ahli to a memorable Champions League triumph in 2006 when his late volley earned the Red Devils a remarkable victory at Tunisia's Sfaxien. He also played a key role in helping the team win Africa's premier club competition in 2005 and 2008. "We (in Tunisia) love Abou-Treika more than any other player," Benzarti added.
