CAIRO: In a repeat of last year’s contest, league champions Ahly face the challenge of the team who took two trophies away from their grasp in one season.
Despite the fact that the Reds boast an overwhelming record over Hodoud in the league, the Alexandrians have been in control since Hossam Al-Badri took charge last summer.
Apart from two league draws, Tarek Al-Ashri’s team won 2-0 in Cairo to lift the Super Cup in 2009 before edging the 33-time champs to victory in the cup final this year.
This makes Ahly under pressure in Sunday night’s game, according to Hodoud marksman Ahmed Abdul-Ghani.
"I think that pressure won’t be on us in the Super Cup game. Its Ahly who need to avenge their cup final defeat," said the Egypt international.
Both teams have already kicked off the new season with respective continental challenges last week.
Ahly drew 1-1 against Heartland in the Champions League in Nigeria, whereas Hodoud suffered a 1-0 Confederation Cup defeat at Botswana’s Gaborone United.
But ambitious Hodoud manager Al-Ashri eyes an ‘ideal start’ to the domestic campaign with another victory over Al-Badri’s side.
"A victory would be the strongest and most ideal start for us for a season where we have much higher ambitions," he said.
"We are aiming for the league title this season."
