Preview: Ahly seek win at Sewe Sport to edge closer to semis

Egypt's Ahly will be looking to cement their position on top of Group B and edge closer to a place in the African Confederation Cup semi-final when they take on Ivory Coast's Sewe Sport away from home on Sunday.

Meeting for the first time, the Reds will be keen to inflict on Sewe their first home group-stage defeat, with the Ivorians securing two draws in their last two games.

Caretaker coach Fathi Mabrouk will also be hoping to continue his side's fine continental run after managing to come back from a goal behind to hold group rivals Etoile Sahel to a 1-1 draw in Sousse.

Should Ahly claim an away win, they will pick up their seventh point to go two clear of Etoile, who defeated bottom side Nkana of Zambia (one point) 4-3 on Saturday. 

Team news: Ahly's ever-growing list of casualties

The eight time-African champions, however, don't really enjoy a clean bill of health – with a multitude of players ruled out of the game in San Pedro.

In what could be a massive blow for the Cairo giants, Egypt forward Mohamed 'Gedo' Nagy will be out of action for up to six months after rupturing a cruciate ligament in his knee during the Etoile draw.

Another Egypt international to miss the trip was veteran left-back Sayed Moawad, who was left out due to muscle fatigue.

Defender Rami Rabia also joined Ahly's growing injury list after returning from international duty with a pelvic problem, sustained during Egypt's friendly defeat at Chile.

Striker Amr Gamal remains a major doubt for the group game after also picking up a hamstring problem with Egypt.

Earlier, playmaker Abdallah El-Saied had suffered a serious foot injury that will keep him out for three months.

Ahly will also be without injured striker Ahmed Raouf and defense stalwart Wael Gomaa, who has confirmed his retirement from professional football.  

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