Ahli chairman Hassan Hamdi held a meeting with members of the Ultras Ahlawy fan-group ahead of Friday's Champions League clash with Esperance. In the wake of the violence that took place in last week's cup game with Kima Aswan, fears of another collision between the ultras and the police forces have been raised recently. Ahli said on their website that the board had a ‘very positive meeting' with the ultras, where chairman Hamdi urged the supporters to ‘respect policemen and appreciate their role in securing matches'. The statement also added that the leaders of the group have shown a great deal of cooperation and flexibility, promising to ‘support the team in an ideal manner'. Apart from the present tension between the Ultras Ahlawy group and the police, the latter will have an extra job to do securing the stands of the away fans. In last year's semi-finals, a number of Esperance fans rioted against security men at Cairo Stadium, resulting in the injury of a couple of stewards. The match is highly crucial for both sides as Ahli need to win by two goals in order to avoid an uncharacteristic exit from the group stages, while a draw would be enough for Esperance in Cairo. Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca are firm favorites to reach the knockouts as they visit winless MC Alger in Algiers.