Struggling Al Ahly look to avoid Al Hilal upset

Al Ahly will battle it out with Al Hilal Omdurman in the CAF Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The Red Eagles are coming into this encounter winless in their last three matches, having succumbed to a 3-1 loss to El Geish in the Egyptian Premier League match on 24 March, and it was their third defeat in a row.

Al Ahly reached this stage of the continental tournament after finishing second in Group C behind Orlando Pirates of South Africa, and they are on a mission to win the Champions League for a record-extending 13th time.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal are coming into the match in good form, having won four of their last five matches, including a recent 4-0 win over Toulde in the Mauritanian Premier League match, and it was also their second win in a row.

The Blue Wave, who are currently competing in the Mauritanian Premier League due to the Sudanese civil war, reached this stage of the Champions League after winning Group A, and they are hoping to win the tournament for the first time, having reached the final twice.

TEAM NEWS

Al Ahly could be without the services of 31-year-old defender Omar Kamal, who has been struggling with injuries in the last few weeks, and has missed several matches.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Al Hilal Omdurman head coach Florent Ibenge

"Al Ahly denied us a quarterfinal two seasons ago. It was a close call. We had the same number of points, but the goal difference was lacking.

"We won in the first leg and lost in the return leg. Now both teams have changed, although the opponent retains all of their qualities," Ibenge noted.

"It's a source of motivation for us and to face such a prestigious opponent. Whatever happens, it's a very good match in prospect for us and we hope to live up to it.

"We are not favourites, and rightly so, given the record of the National du Caire and the recent confrontations that have favoured them. But we will not go in as sacrificial victims.

"We will play our chances to the fullest so as not to have any regrets. We will approach this confrontation with serenity and we will see what we are worth. We hope to qualify because there is nothing wrong with having ambitions."

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Al Ahly and Al Hilal have met eight times across all competitions since 2007.

The Red Eagles have the edge in this rivalry, having won four matches compared to the Blue Wave's two wins, while two matches ended in a draw.

The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 3-0 win in favour of Al Ahly in a Champions League Group B match in April 2023.