Egyptian champions Ahli face a tricky test against their Tunisian counterparts in the first leg of a crunch Champions League semi-final on Sunday. After conceding nine goals in six games in a far-from-impressive group stage campaign, Ahli will be desperate for their first clean victory of the competition. But Hossam Al-Badri's team must be alert against the highest-scoring team in the tournament so far, spearheaded by the clinical Michael Eneramo. The Nigerian hitman, who played against Ahli during his USM Alger's days, scored seven goals in Esperance's last seven games. "I've been working on facing Eneramo," said Ahli and Egypt defense star Wael Gomaa. "I focused on that when playing against Military Production's African striker (Kwabena Yaro). He has the same physique." Gomaa is likely to be partnered by Ahmed Al-Sayed at the heart of defense as Sherif Abdul-Fadil will be deployed as left-back in place of the injured Sayed Moawad. In addition to Moawad, Ahli miss Egypt duo Geddo and Hossam Ghaly due to injury and suspension respectively.
Eneramo is Esperance's main man Striker Mohamed Talaat could return to the starting line-up alongside Mohamed Fadl after being rested in the 2-1 win at Production. The misfiring Francis Doe is another attacking option for Al-Badri, who is confident that the Liberian will 'rediscover his goalscoring touch soon'. Positive result The Cairo clash will not be a one-way traffic in favor of the hosts, promises Esperance coach Fawzi Benzarti. "The first leg is more important," said the manager who was in charge of Tunisia in this year's Africa Cup of Nations. "If we want to get past Ahli, we must achieve a positive result in Cairo, that's why we will play for that purpose." Esperance's last visit to Cairo resulted in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Red Devils in the 2007 Champions League group stage.
