The Egyptian champions face last year’s runners-up in their first Group B match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, located in the south-eastern part of Africa’s most populous country.
Aboutrika, a regular face in the continental club championship during the past half-decade, remains upbeat of the Red Devils’ quest to grab a convincing result to put their ambitions of an unprecedented seventh title on track.
Heartland’s compatriots Kano Pillars masterminded the exit of the Egyptian giants last year, but Aboutrika, undoubtedly the most famous Egyptian player, is convinced their outing during a training tour of Germany and Austria puts them in a good stead.
The 31-year-old reckons the Nigerians are also bent on improving on their status as last year’s losing finalist to champions this term.
“It will be a difficult game and the result is important for our course. The players are focused for the game and we have prepared feverishly for the game.”
The talented midfielder has been an integral part of the Ahly squad since joining in 2004 and was instrumental in their continental conquest of 2005, 2006 and 2008. Aboutrika, twice winner of the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt in 2006 and 2008, was named as Best Player on the continent by CAF in 2008.
Ahly’s rivals Ismaily will host Algerian outfit JS Kabylie in the other Group B clash.
In Group A, holders TP Mazembe of DR Congo will face Dynamos FC of Zimbabwe in Harare whilst Entente Setif of Algeria engages Tunisia’s Esperance in Setif.