Nine years ago, Ahli needed to score an away goal or clinch a penalty shootout win to qualify for the African Champions League final at the expense of Tunisia's Esperance but the situation this years looks more favorable. A goalless first leg in Cairo meant Ahli faced a tough task in Tunisia at El Menzah Stadium, where they trailed to an Esperance goal that put them on the verge of elimination. However, a remarkable long-range volley from midfielder Sayed Abdul-Hafiz, now an Ahli official, earned the Red Devils a 1-1 draw and lifted them to the final where they beat South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns to win the title. In the 2010 edition, Ahli take a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg but it remains an advantage that tips the team to reach the Champions League final for the fifth time in six years. "We were very sad when we were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in 2001," Abdul-Hafiz said. "But (then coach) Manuel Jose told us to lift our heads up. He told us we would qualify for the final in Tunisia. "The atmosphere these days looks familiar. God willing, we will win and reach the final again." Hossam Al-Badri was Jose's assistant when Ahli won the last of their six Champions League title in 2008 but he is now at the helm, facing the immense pressure of the team's demanding fans. His job hung by a thread earlier in the season but he began to win over Ahli's faithful after a recent fine run. But Ahli's supporters are unlikely to feel sorry for Al-Badri if their team fail to preserve their lead against Esperance on Sunday night. "We will not defend in Tunisia," Al-Badri, who led Ahli to the Egyptian Premier League title and a place in the cup final in his first season in charge last term, said.
Crowd trouble marred the first leg "We always prefer the attacking display. We can win away from home." Rades Memories Ahli's visit to Stade 7 Novembre in Rades, where the match will be played, will bring back fond memories for the Cairo giants. They won Africa's premier competition there in 2006 in an unforgettable manner when a late volley from playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika earned them a 2-1 aggregate victory over Esperance's compatriots Sfaxien. Esperance will be roared on by their enthusiastic fans, who have been warned not to replicate the unfortunate actions that marred the first leg at Cairo Stadium. The visiting fans ripped up seats, let off illegal flares and beat up two stewards when Ahli secured a 2-0 lead in the second half after a thunderbolt from Ahmed Fathi. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would investigate the matter. "I spoke with my teammates and we agreed we should not be distracted by opposing crowd," Ahli forward Geddo, who missed the first leg due to injury, told FilGoal.com. "I don't think they will cause trouble but they are renowned for their fervent support for their team." Al-Badri has one recognized and experienced striker at his disposal in Mohamed Fadl after Liberian Francis Doe and Mohamed Talaat were ruled out of the game due to injuries. Fadl is likely to be deployed as a lone frontman, supported by attacking midfielders Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat and fit-again Geddo. Ahli also welcome back left-back Sayed Moawad, whose first-leg absence forced natural central defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil to play out of position.
