Published Date: 2025-04-19 11:42:22 Updated At: 2025-04-19 11:42:22

The Swiss coach, Marcel Koller, has decided on a replacement for left-back Yahya Atiyat Allah, who will miss the CAF Champions League semifinal first-leg match against Mamelodi Sundowns due to a muscle injury. Koller has opted to deploy Mustafa Al-Ash in this crucial position as a step to compensate for the absence of the influential player.

The team will also miss Karim El-Debes, who suffered an ankle injury during the recent match against Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League. The absence of both players poses a significant challenge for Al Ahly in this important game, especially given the importance of winning to make a significant step toward qualification for the African final.

The match will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, the home of Sundowns. Al Ahly aims to return from South Africa with a positive result, which will boost the team's morale ahead of the return leg at home. The match represents a tough test for Al Ahly given the absences, especially considering the strength of the South African team, which has an impressive record in the competition.

Regarding the return leg, it will take place next Friday at 7:00 PM at Cairo International Stadium. Al Ahly's fans hope that their team can capitalize on the home advantage in the return match to secure qualification.

On the other hand, Koller trusts his players' ability to deliver a strong performance despite the absences. He is relying on key players such as Mohamed El-Shenawy, Afsha, and Mohamed Sherif, who have the potential to make a difference at any moment. The Swiss coach is also aiming to achieve a win in the first leg before returning to Egypt, as this victory is a crucial step toward the goal of winning the title.

Egyptian fans are eagerly awaiting this clash, as a win in this match would be a decisive step toward confirming their team's worthiness and reaching the final. Al Ahly hopes to overcome this tough obstacle and take another step toward achieving their sixth title, which they are aiming for.