LIVE: Etoile du Sahel v Al Ahly | CAF Champions League | October 1st 2017

Match K.O at 19:30 Cairo local time (GMT+2)
Venue: Stade Olympique de Sousse (Sousse (S?sah))
Referee: E. Otogo-Castane (Gabon)

Egypt’s Ahly are brimming with confidence and enjoying a psychological edge over African Champions League semi-final opponents Etoile du Sahel as they continue their quest for a record-extending ninth trophy in Sousse on Sunday.

Ahly play Etoile away from home in the first leg of the semi-final clash almost a week after they came from a goal down to earn a famous 2-1 victory over another Tunisian side, Esperance, in Rades.

The precious comeback win, thanks to goals from Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul and Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi, lifted Ahly to the last four with a 4-3 aggregate win after a 2-2 first-leg draw in Alexandria had made their task difficult.

The Red Devils are in a buoyant mood going into the anticipated clash in Sousse, with their fans speaking of a psychological edge over Tunisian opponents.

They fondly recall a memorable Champions League triumph in 2006 when a last-gasp volley from iconic playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika broke the hearts of Sfaxien and gave Ahly the coveted trophy in dramatic fashion.

Ahly and Etoile met in the Champions League final in 2005 and 2007. The Cairo giants prevailed with comprehensive 3-0 aggregate win in 2005 but Etoile had the upper hand two years later, securing a 3-1 victory in Cairo after the first leg ended goalless.

Ahly may miss influential defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour after he hurt his knee in a training session before the match. Playmaker Ahmed El-Sheikh, back from a loan spell with Maqassa, is also a major doubt because of a back complaint.