Egyptian giants will go in search of a seventh African Champions League title when they host Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in their opening Group B clash at the Cairo Stadium on Sunday.
But the team’s coach, Manuel Jose, who has been so much a part of their success in recent times, has dampened down expectations from fans, suggesting his side does not have enough strength to win the title.
“Right now, we don’t have what it takes to be crowned African champions,” Jose said.
“Ahly need to sign new star players to be able to compete with the best African teams. We are not as powerful as the past few years. And this is normal.”
The team has boosted its forward line with the signing of El-Sayed Hamdy from Petrojet last week and he will go straight into contention for a starting berth.
Wydad Casabalanca snuck into the group phase after a 3-0 play-off victory over Tanzanian side Simba.
Wydad were champions of Africa in 1992, but visits to the Champions League in recent years have been scarce, with just one second round showing in 2007 to call on for experience.
The club is coached by the Swiss tactician Michel Decastel, who only took the job a month ago and is still getting to know his players.
