The ongoing political unrest in Mali will not bother Ahli when they face Stade Malien in Bamako this month, according to Reds football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz. Ahli prepare to visit the Malian champions in the last 16 first leg on 27/28/29 April as the Western African nation is witnessing an unprecedented military coup. “We are in contact with the Egyptian embassy in Mali and officials have assured us that the Ahli squad will be safe there,” Abdul-Hafiz told FilGoal.com. “And we should not also forget CAF. I think CAF wouldn't have allowed the game to take place in Bamako if there was any problem with security. “We are focused on the pitch and we have enough experience to deal with such conditions. Ahli have played many times before in countries hit by civil wars and political uprisings.” Ahli, who eased past Ethiopian Coffee in the round of 32, should host Stade Malien in May as the game is most likely to be staged behind closed doors.
