Ahli and Harras Hodoud battle it out for the Super Cup title as the Egyptian season gets under way. In a repeat of last year's contest, league champions Ahli face the challenge of the team who took two trophies away from their grasp in one season. Despite the fact that the Reds boast an overwhelming record over Hodoud in the league, the Alexandrians have been in control since Hossam Al-Badri took charge last summer. Apart from two league draws, Tarek Al-Ashri's team won 2-0 in Cairo to lift the Super Cup in 2009 before edging the 33-time champs to victory in the cup final this year. This makes Ahli under pressure in Sunday night's game, according to Hodoud marksman Ahmed Abdul-Ghani. "I think that pressure won't be on us in the Super Cup game. Its Ahli who need to avenge their cup final defeat," said the Egypt international. Both teams have already kicked off the new season with respective continental challenges last week. Ahli drew 1-1 against Heartland in the Champions League in Nigeria, whereas Hodoud suffered a 1-0 Confederation Cup defeat at Botswana's Gaborone United. But ambitious Hodoud manager Al-Ashri eyes an 'ideal start' to the domestic campaign with another victory over Al-Badri's side.
Fathi and Fadl out "A victory would be the strongest and most ideal start for us for a season where we have much higher ambitions," he said. "We are aiming for the league title this season." Team news Ahli face a striker crisis following the departure of Emad Meteb, Ahmed Belal and Hani Al-Egeizi in addition to injury and suspension problems. Osama Hosni is out with a long-term injury, while first-choice striker Mohamed Fadl was ruled out one day before the match with a calf strain. New signing Geddo is suspended as part of an investigation by the Egyptian FA with him, following his contractual dispute with Zamalek. This leaves Francis Doe as the only option for Al-Badri, while Mohamed Abou-Treika is an automatic choice behind the lone striker. Another blow for Ahli will see Ahmed Fathi miss out through suspension. Hodoud, on the contrary, have a full-strength team after regaining the services of influential duo Abdul-Ghani and Ahmed Eid.
