Al-Ahly squad has arrived in the Tunisian city of Radès Al-Ahly squad has arrived in the Tunisian city of Radès in preparation for the second-leg face-off with Tunis’ Espérance in the CAF Champions League Final slated for Saturday. After the three-hour flight from Egypt, the squad was received by Sayed Abdulhafeez, al-Ahly’s football chief, as he had been in Tunisia making arrangements for the team’s stay and return trip to Egypt after the match.
Manager Hossam al-Badri allowed his players a few hours’ rest after their arrival as a training session is set for Thursday evening on a pitch belonging to the Tunisian University.
The team’s last training session before the match will take place on Friday at 7:30 (Cairo time) in the evening in Radès Olympic Stadium, where the second leg of the final will be played on Saturday, in accordance with CAF regulations.
The local meteorological office has forecast heavy rain and al-Badri fears from the effect that may have on his players’ preparations, despite having special boots for use in rainy weather.
The training camp is under strict orders from the manager to stick to training and sleep hours in order to preserve concentration before the crucial meeting.
The squad was accompanied by al-Ahly board members Hesham Saeid, Khaled Murtagy and Khaled al-Darandally.
Club President Hassan Hamdi did not accompany the team as he is barred from leaving Egypt. He is under trial for unlawful gain charges.
Mahmoud al-Khatib was also not able to join the players in Tunisia due to illness.