Ismaili will be looking to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when they host Esperance in the Arab Champions League on Thursday but will not be able to enjoy the full support of their enthusiastic fans. Only 9,500 spectators will be allowed to attend the quarter-final clash as Ismailia Stadium is undergoing renovations ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup that will take place in Egypt in September. Ismaili fans might not fill all seats that are allocated to them, though, as the relatively high ticket prices proved a hindrance in encouraging them to watch their beloved team from the stands. But the Dervishes would still have the sufficient incentive to overcome Esperance and reach the ACL semis as they aim to avoid ending the season empty handed. They were knocked out of the Egyptian Cup preliminaries and trail league leaders Ahli by four points with eight matches to go. Ismaili's precious away goal against Esperance, which came through talented midfielder Mohab Saied, gave them something to cheer about as they eye a last-four berth. However, their Brazilian coach Ricardo Ferreira remains cautious. "Qualification is yet to be secured, the game will be very difficult and I will need my players to be totally focused throughout the 90 minutes," he told reporters.
Esperance aim to cause an upset "We should not rely on the away goal, especially because Esperance have learnt more about us." Ismaili, who reached the ACL final in its first edition in 2004, will have to do without in-form midfielder Ahmed Khairi, who is suspended, and injured Nigerian striker Nasigba John-Jumbo. Probable line-up: Goalkeeper: Mohamed Sobhi Defenders: Abdul-Hamid Sami, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Dario Khan Midfielders: Mohab Saied, Ahmed Samir Farag, Mohamed Hommos, Abdullah Saied, Omar Gamal Strikers: Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Greisha, Mostafa Karim
