Al Ahly boosted by extra rest ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns clash

Al Ahly have resumed training ahead of their crucial second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Champions League semi-finals.

With the first leg ending 0-0 in South Africa, the Cairo giants will count on home advantage this Friday at Cairo International Stadium.

Head coach Marcel Koller gave his squad a 48-hour break upon their return from the trip, allowing the players time to recover before stepping up preparations for the must-win encounter.

However, injury concerns remain a setback for Al Ahly’s plans.

“The chances of Wissam Abu Ali missing Friday’s game are high, after he missed the first leg due to a strain in the connective muscle,” a club insider told Kooora.

“Wissam Abu Ali will undergo a medical examination, but the chances of him missing the match against Sundowns are increasing significantly.

“There is uncertainty over the status of the injured Karim Al-Dabis, and it is difficult for him to participate in the second leg.

“Yahya Atiyatullah is out of the calculations, as he will be out for a week with a back muscle strain.

“Karim Fouad and Reda Salim are still out of the calculations, as the two are still undergoing a rehabilitation programme.”