Ahly, the reigning champions of the CAF Champions League, are set to launch their continental quest as they take on Gor Mahia FC in the first leg of the second preliminary round at Kenya’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
Gor Mahia will be aiming to defy expectations by overcoming the 12-time African champions, a task that promises to be anything but easy. Adding to the challenge, they will be keen to avoid a second consecutive defeat for a Kenyan team at the hands of an Egyptian side within 24 hours, after Kenya Police FC lost 1-0 to Zamalek in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday.
Ahly embarks on this campaign with the aim of extending their record of 12 Champions League titles.
Marcel Koller, Ahly’s coach, has integrated a number of new signings into the squad for the Gor Mahia FC clash.
These included defender Youssef Ayman from Qatari club Al-Duhail SC, midfielder Omar El-Saaiy from Ismaily, Moroccan left-back Yahia Attiyat Allah from Russian side PFC Sochi, and defender Achraf Dari from French outfit Brest.
Gor Mahia FC advanced to the round of 32 in the Champions League after a commanding 6-2 aggregate victory over Al-Merreikh of South Sudan.
