Al Ahly kick off CAF Champions League campaign against Aigle Noir

Al Ahly begin their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday when they face Burundi’s Aigle Noir in the first leg of the round of 32 at Inwari Stadium in Bujumbura. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Cairo time (GMT+3).

The Red Eagles, 12-time African champions, are chasing a record-extending 13th title after receiving a bye in the preliminary round due to their high CAF club ranking.

Aigle Noir reached this stage on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw with ASAS Djibouti Telecom, following a goalless home draw and a 1-1 result away.

Al Ahly will be without several key players through injury, including Emam Ashour, Hussein El Shahat, Ahmed Reda, Achraf Dari and Karim Fouad.

The match marks the start of a new era for Al Ahly under Danish coach Jess Thorup, who said he is eager to make a strong impression in his debut in charge of the record African champions.

“Tomorrow’s match is just the first half; the second will be played in Cairo,” Thorup told a pre-match press conference.

“I know a lot about African football and have a good understanding of Aigle Noir as well,” he added.