Sunshine Stars (Nigeria) vs. Ahli (Egypt) Kickoff: 16.00 CLT CAF Champions League semi-final, first leg Venue: Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode MATCH FACTS -Ahli played the first-leg semi-final away from home six times, only failing to qualify for the final once. -In 10 previous visits to Nigeria, Ahli have managed two victories over Shooting Stars and Enyimba in 1999 and 2005 respectively. -Egypt's goalkeeping legend Ekrami - the father of current number once Sherif - was the man between the posts in the first time Ahli played in Nigeria against Enugu Rangers back in 1982. -Current Reds manager Hossam Al-Badri also took part in this 1-0 Champions League defeat 30 years ago.
Will Sunshine continue their surprise run? -Al-Badri is still looking for his first win in 11 games away from Cairo with Ahli in Africa, having lost seven games and drawn three. -The heaviest defeat in Ahli's history was inflicted by a Nigerian team as Enugu Rangers thrashed the Egyptian giants 4-0 in the 2003 CAF Cup quarters. -In 11 home games during their brief continental history, Sunshine succeeded in keeping eight clean sheets, while conceding just four goals. QUOTES Sunshine coach Gbenga Ogunbote “Ahli are a respected side as far as African club football is concerned and we have to be at our best to play them but unfortunately, there is a slight disadvantage on our part due to the fact that the league has ended." Sunshine midfielder Ajani Ibrahim “Football is not about names but commitment and determination which are our driving force. Ahli are a big side but not different from other teams that fell by the way side; they've got more experienced players than us but with commitment we'll survive their onslaught. “We've our names, too, to protect, so we're battle ready to pick a convincing win against Ahli. We want to win well to make the second fixture in Egypt a lot easier."
No Treika for Reds Ahli coach Al-Badri “We cannot afford to have any negative thoughts that our match against Sunshine will be easy and that progress to the final is guaranteed. “We are looking forward to winning in Nigeria. A win or a draw will frustrate Sunshine and so the return game in Cairo could be easier." TEAM NEWS Ahli have a long list of absentees led by star midfielder and top scorer Mohamed Abou-Treika, who is serving a two-month club ban. Emad Meteb, Oussou Konan and Sayed Moawad have all remained in Cairo because of injury. Sherif Abdul-Fadil is a major doubt, while Walid Soliman has also been complaining of a knee problem. Teenager Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet' is away with the Egypt youth team and was also left out. As for hosts Sunshine, the major concern will be the absence of skipper Godfrey Oboabona through suspension.
