Al Ahly Face Etoile du Sahel in High-Stakes CAF Confederation Cup Clash
Record African champions Al Ahly will travel to Sousse on Sunday for a crucial encounter against Tunisia’s Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. The Cairo giants will be looking to maintain momentum after their 2-0 win over Zambia’s FC Nkana on the opening day.
Having conquered every major trophy on the continent, Al Ahly are determined to add the Confederation Cup — the only missing piece in their illustrious cabinet. But their path in this year’s competition is proving far from easy.
The Egyptian side will be missing several key players for the trip to Tunisia. Midfielder Ahmed Khairi has been ruled out through injury, while Abdallah Assaid is set to undergo surgery in Germany after suffering a foot injury during the opening match. Cherif Abdelhafidh will also be absent, as he heads to the UAE to continue a rehabilitation program designed to regain match fitness.
The fixture carries historical weight as well. The two sides famously met in the 2007 CAF Champions League final, with Etoile du Sahel stunning Al Ahly to lift the title in Cairo. That victory remains one of the Tunisian club’s greatest triumphs, and they’ll be eager to replicate that success on home soil.
Despite the absences, Al Ahly remain focused on their goal. With the Confederation Cup now a top priority, the Cairo outfit will rely on their deep squad and vast continental experience to overcome a spirited Etoile side in what promises to be a fiercely contested North African showdown.
