Preview: Al Ahly v Esperance | CAF CL Semi-Final

On the first leg. Mohamed Sherif put the nine-time African Champions ahead thanks to a 67th-minute goal that puts Ahly close to their second final in a row.

Al Ahly will not enjoy the support of their passionate fans when they host Tunisia’s Esperance on Saturday after their request to allow fan attendance was turned down, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) chief said late on Tuesday.

The Red Devils were hoping to have a long-standing crowd ban at least partially lifted when they meet Esperance in the second leg of the African Champions League semi-final but EFA’s interim head Ahmed Megahed said it would not be possible.

Mohamed Magdy Afsha had to make do with a cameo appearance off the bench last time out, but he could be reinstated into the starting XI for this one.

Despite having returned to training recently, Mohamed Hany will not play any part in the contest, with Akram Tawfik set to retain his place in the side.

Egyptian defender Ahmed Ramadan is back in the matchday squad after he was forced to sit the first leg out due to a knock.

Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis announced on Thursday that defender Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi and midfielder Ghaylen Chaaleli will not be available for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.

The defensive duo of Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi and Houcine Rabi have recently tested positive for coronavirus, ruling them out for the away side.

Esperance Tunis will also have to deal with the absence of Ghailene Chaalali, who remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Al Ahly possible starting lineup:
El-Shenawy; Maaloul, Ashraf, Benoun, Tawfik; Al-Sulaya, Fathi, Dieng; Mohsen, Sherif, Afsha

Esperance Tunis possible starting lineup:
Cherifia; Chetti, Bedrane, Nagguez, Chemmam; Coulibaly, Benguit, Romdhane; Elhouni, Khalid, Togui