Ahli will carry on their quest for a seventh CAF Champions League title by facing Kano Pillars, who have high hopes of upsetting the defending champions. The Nigerian side will enjoy home advantage in the round of 16 first leg on Saturday, which apparently earned them more confidence and determination. Several Kano officials stimulated a one-sided verbal jousting in the past few days, saying their team are widely expected to beat the Cairo giants. "Our players see this game as their World Cup final," Ibrahim Galadima stated days ahead of the game. "Everybody involved with the team knows that nothing must be left undone to ensure victory on Saturday. "We must focus on the game and forget tradition and records. Ahli should be afraid of us because they have so much to lose while we have nothing to lose." Similar fiery statements were released by Young Africans players and officials alike ahead of their encounter with Ahli in the previous round. However, the Tanzanians were eventually spanked by the Red Devils 4-0 on aggregate.
Hassan and Barakat missed Kano trip Another official from Kano believes his side are capable of springing a surprise. "The African record of Ahli should intimidate us, but we are aware that unfancied teams have produced upsets and are confident of shocking the Egyptians," Shehu Adamu said. Absentees Ahli will have to do without several regulars against Kano. Influential midfield duo Mohamed Barakat and Ahmed Hassan have missed the trip through injury. The mercurial Barakat is nursing a hamstring injury, whereas Egypt captain Hassan is still suffering an ankle problem sustained in last month's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Zambia. Striker Osama Hosni also missed the trip due to a hamstring strain. On top of that, Ahli skipper Shadi Mohamed has been ruled out of the game after sustaining a groin injury during training, only one day before the match. Stand-in defender Mohamed Samir is expected to deputize in the absence of the international defender to complete Ahli's three-man defense that also includes Ahmed Al-Sayed and Wael Gomaa.
