Al Ahly coach Marcel Kohler has called on his players to take their group phase campaign of the CAF Champions League with a lot of seriousness when they come up against unfamiliar foes Medeama on Saturday.

The Swiss trainer believes the Egyptian giants cannot underestimate Ghanaian side Medeama in Cairo despite limited information. After guiding Al Ahly to recent successes, Kohler knows overcoming Medeama would provide early momentum before facing giants Belouizdad in Group D.

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“I told the players they must be serious from the very beginning against an opponent who’ll be extremely motivated playing away in this competition,” said Kohler as quoted by CAFOnline ahead of the game, adding: “We must be smart in how we manage this threat and use the advantage of our fans backing us.”

Navigating assorted obstacles on the opening weekend would put early pressure on Medeama while reinforcing Al Ahly’s favouritism to defend the crown they seized last season.