Manuel Jose has built an entertaining team

The development hampers Ittihad's chances of beating African champions, Ahly, in the opening match on Sunday.

Pedrinho, Marcao, and Lima were thrown out of the competition after a Fifa investigation found they were not officially registered with the club.

"The decision is final and binding," Fifa said, adding that the trio could not be replaced.

Al Ittihad are attempting to become the first club to beat the Egyptian giants in nearly 18 months and 55 games.

For the Saudis and the Egyptians, the match amounts to a derby as Jeddah and Cairo are only two hours apart by plane and interest in the clash in the Middle East is immense.

We will not lose sight of our target whether we are playing Ittihad, Sao Paulo or even Liverpool Manuel Jose Ahly coach

The Saudi Arabians know it will take something special to breach the defensive wall Ahly have built, but are counting on past experience to knock it down at the 60,000-capacity Tokyo National Stadium.

"We could well be the surprise team of the tournament," said Al Ittihad's attacking midfielder Mohammed Noor.

"Our match against Ahly will be key to deciding whether or not we do well.

"The fact that we play another Arab team and one we happen to know well, puts added pressure on our shoulders.

"But they'll be even more on Al Ahly as we've had far the better of our encounters over recent years."

But Ahly have vowed to fly the African flag as long as possible in Japan. The club's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has moulded a side that not only wins but plays entertaining football to boot.

The trio of Mohamed Barakat, Emad Moteab and Mohamed Abutreka, known as the Bermuda Triangle, are central to their success.

The wily Jose is confident his side can continue their winning ways but doesn't want to built them up too much.

"I'm not saying we do not want to win the competition, but what I'm saying is that we prefer to take it one step at a time," he said.

"We will not lose sight of our target whether we are playing Ittihad, Sao Paulo or even Liverpool. We will always play to win."

Al Ahly's top marksman Moteab predicted a tense and difficult match.

"Like any other derby I predict it will be a tense encounter and I believe whoever keeps their nerves will come out winners," he said.

The winners have an enticing carrot in front of them - a semi-final showdown against South American champions Sao Paulo in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Sao Paulo coach Paulo Autuori has tipped Ahly, who have won their domestic league 30 times, to be their opponents.

"When you see the data, you will see that Al Ahly have an advantage," he said.

"I know their team. Their winning streak is really amazing, their ball keeping and combinations are very good. Their team is really good."

The World Club Championship, pitting club champions from each continent, also involves Liverpool, Sydney FC and Deportivo Saprissa.