Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry says his team is ready for the league opener against Ismaily despite the absence of some key players.
Title holders Ahly will host the Dervishes on Saturday in the first match of the Egyptian Premier League new season.
“We are ready for the Ismaily match. The recent training camp helped me a lot to evaluate my players ahead of the season start,” El-Badry told reporters on Tuesday.
“We start our league campaign with a very important and strong test. We aim to appear in our best shape to achieve victory.
“I have full confidence in my players and we managed recently to deploy some new tactics to our playing style,” added the 56-year-old coach who just started his third stint as a coach of Ahly after the departure of Dutch coach Martin Jol.
On Saturday, Ahly will be missing five key stars against the costal side, but the coach is confident they will cope despite the absentees.
“Midfielder Hossam Ghaly and winger Ahmed Fathy won’t be available due to suspension, while injury will sideline striker Marawan Mohsen, defenders Ahmed Hegazy and Rami Rabia,” explained El-Badry.
“We have a group of good players who can cover their absent teammates,” he concluded.
