Congo’s Leopards welcome wounded Al Ahly

DOLISIE. Congo’s AC Leopards will look to take a huge step toward the semifinals of the CAF Champions League when they host Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday. The Group A clash at the Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso in Dolisie will kick-off at 3:30pm.

Saturday, August 17, 2013
Rudy Ndey will lead Leopards' attack against the Egyptian giants. Net photo.

Saturday AC Leopards (Con) vs Al Ahly (Egy) 3:30pm    Orlando Pirates (SA) vs Zamalek (Egy)    8pm     Sunday Coton Sport (Cam) vs Recreativo (Ang) 3:30pmSewe Sport (I. Coast) vs Esperance (Tun) 5:30pmDOLISIE. Congo’s AC Leopards will look to take a huge step toward the semifinals of the CAF Champions League when they host Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday. The Group A clash at the Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso in Dolisie will kick-off at 3:30pm.Leopards are placed second in the group standings, level on four points with leaders Orlando Pirates of South Africa, but with an inferior goal difference.‘The Beasts from Niari’ will be seeking a second successive Egyptian scalp after beating Zamalek 1-0 earlier in the month thanks to Ntela Kalema’s first half penalty. The White Knights played most of the match with just 10 men.As for Al Ahly, they come into the game under something of a cloud. Not only were they humbled 3-0 by Orlando Pirates (their worst home defeat in Champions League history) in their last Group A match, but key playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika is doubtful for the match due to an ankle injury.Coach Mohamed Youssef has attributed the shock defeat to the effects of Ramadan and having to play in daylight heat. However, he has also tried to inspire his players to turn around their Champions League campaign with a win away to Leopards.Defeat for both Al Ahly and Zamalek, who are away to Pirates later in the day, would see the Egyptian pair, who have 12 Champions League titles between them, almost eliminated just halfway through the group phase.