Ahli boss Hossam Al-Badri says he is ‘very anxious' that the ongoing political unrest in Egypt would be a distraction to his team ahead of Sunday's Club World Cup opener. The African champions are braced for their opening match against Hiroshima Sanfrecce while Egyptian streets are brimming with protests, which include clashes between supporters and opponents of president Mohamed Morsi. As Ahli players have been ordered not to speak to the media until the end of the Hiroshima game, Al-Badri seems to be struggling to keep his squad away from the homeland saga. “Of course I am worried that the ongoing events in Egypt would affect the players' concentration," he told the club's website. “I have to say I feel very anxious because all the players are following the events and are in continuous contact with their families as they know there is violence at home. “I am trying as much as I can to keep the players at bay because our opening match is the most important in my opinion." Should Ahli get past J. League winners Hiroshima, they will clash South American champions Corinthians of Brazil for a place in the final.
