MATCH FACTS -Ahli and Mazembe twice met in the 2002 Champions League, with the Egyptians winning 1-0 at home and drawing 0-0 in Lubumbashi. -Skipper Hossam Ghaly is the only player in Ahli's current squad who featured in the two games against the Congolese giants 10 years ago. -The last time Ahli were beaten at home in Africa was against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in the 2007 Champions League final. -Mazembe have never won against a team from Egypt. -They lost to Ahli, Zamalek and Ismaili under the name of Englebert. -Mohamed Abou-Treika is one goal away from equaling Hossam Hassan's record of 27 continental club goals and becoming second to all-time Egyptian top-scorer Mahmoud Al-Khatib. -Al-Khatib's record of 37 goals was smashed this year by - ironically - Mazembe hitman Tresor Mputu who became the unrivalled top scorer of African competitions with 39. -Abou-Treika scored six goals in his last five Champions League appearances for Ahli. -Before that, the Ahli icon went 14 matches in a row without scoring in Africa. -The Group B clash is staged behind closed doors at the Military Academy Stadium as Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue will be in charge. QUOTES Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri “It's going to be a very difficult one. Mazembe is a very tough team and have a good reputation on the continent.
Mputu broke Al-Khatib's goal record “On the other hand Ahli are still in the pre-season preparations' phase and the players still to gain their full physical and technical fitness yet. “It's tricky to kick off the campaign with such a difficult game." Mazembe coach Lamine N'Diaye “The presence of fans could be deceptive at times especially when the team is not playing well. “We believe that Ahli will play without pressure, so it is an open game. The chances of both teams are 50-50." TEAM NEWS Ahli will once again miss defense stalwart Wael Gomaa due to injury as Mohamed Shawky also failed to make it with a hamstring problem. Mauritanian striker Dominique da Silva is suspended after picking up a silly red card at the end of the recent win over Stade Malien. Al-Badri could be handing Ivorian Oussou Konan his debut while summer signing Ahmed Sedik is also included in the squad. DR Congo midfielder Patou Kabangu returned to Mazembe after spending six months with Anderlecht but should be available by the next game against Berekum Chelsea. PLAYERS TO WATCH Ahli: Summer hit Konan will be looking to impress on his debut for the Reds. Mazembe: Captain and highly-rated forward Mputu is Mazembe's main man.
