Ahly are chasing a third successive Champs Lge title

Ahly head to Tunisia for the first leg of the Champions League final on Saturday, with the Egyptians aiming to secure an unprecedented third successive title.

The Cairo-based side meet hosts Etoile du Sahel in Sousse, knowing that a draw or win would set them up nicely for the return leg in the Egyptian capital on 9 November.

Chasing a record sixth triumph in the continent's top club competition, Ahly would confirm their status as Africa's most successful side with a victory over the Tunisians, who are looking for their first title.

The tie is a repeat of the 2005 final in which Ahly were also away in the first leg, holding on for a goalless draw before winning the return leg 3-0 in Cairo.

Ahly's plans for a repeat performance this year have been hit, however, by an injury to Angola international wing back Gilberto, who misses the match.

While Etoile have been happy to stoke the verbal flames, Ahly coach Manuel Jose has been unusually quiet in the build-up to the game.

Ahly, the most successful club in Caf history with five Champions League victories, four African Cup Winners Cup successes and three African Super Cup triumphs, barred journalists and followers from a midweek flight to Tunisia.

"We do not want to disturb our players as they must focus totally on the final," said Ahly team manager Hossam al-Badry.

Midfielder Mohamed Barakat, outstanding in the 2005 demolition of Etoile, returns after being sidelined by a knee injury since the semi-final victory over Ittihad.

There was also a recall to the squad for striker Ahmed Belal who had been out of action for five months with a fractured foot.

Angolan Flavio Amado and Moteab are the probable starters if Jose opts for a two-man attack.