Ahly are hoping to win Africa's top title without defeat

The Egyptians face a severe test in Sousse on Saturday, as they face a side making their second successive appearance in Africa's top club event.

A tight and histrionic-filled tie is expected between the North African rivals, who were unbeaten during the group stages and won both legs of their semi-final ties.

The 'Red Devils', as Ahly is popularly known, have been in impressive form in the ongoing Egyptian championship and are heavily favoured to win a second African title in four years.

Emad Motaeb, a key striker for Ahly, has recovered from a niggling injury to make the starting line-up for Saturday's game.

Motaeb's form has been helped by the effectiveness of Egypt international Mohamed Barakat and Angolan Gilberto on the flanks.

With Etoile's loss to Nigeria's Enyimba - in last year's final - yet to fade from memory, coach Mehmed Badzarevic said his players must ignore crowd pressure if they are to get a good result on Saturday.

"I think victory is ours as long as we play with a free spirit and without pressure," Badzarevic said.

"There are excellent players in my squad but this is not only what counts.

We can't afford to let in any goals at home in the first leg Etoile goalkeeper Austin Ejide

"It is also the collective performance and their spirit. This is what makes me confident," said the former Yugoslav international.

Etoile's forward line will be strengthened by the return of Nigerian striker Emeka Opara, who served a one-match suspension that kept him out of the decisive leg of the semi-final against Morocco's Raja Casablanca.

Austin Ejide, who featured in last year's final, said his colleagues are not prepared to accept disappointment once again.

"We have learnt our lesson from last year. We can't afford to let in any goals at home in the first leg," the Nigerian goalkeeper told a Tunis newspaper this week.

Both sides also have an eye on participation in December's World Club Championship in Japan, where the financial rewards on offer will boost the coffers of the eventual African champions.