Maaloul to be back against Esperance Tunis

CAIRO – 8 April 2018: Al-Ahly left back Ali Maaloul is preparing to be back against Esperance Tunis in May.

The CAF Champions League’s draw put Al-Ahly in Group A alongside Botswana’s Township Rollers F.C., Uganda’s Kampala City and Tunisia’s Esperance.

Al-Ahly will open their games in the group stage against Esperance at home before facing Kampala City in Uganda.

Khaled Mahmoud, Al-Ahly’s team doctor, clarified that the coaching staff directed rushing Maaloul’s recovery so he could be prepared physically to face Esperance.

Maaloul suffered a severe twist in his foot during his participation in Tunisia's last camp preparing for the 2018 World Cup.

Maaloul participated with his national team in their two friendly games against Iran and Costa Rica during the FIFA international break.

Al-Ahly has already settled the race for the Egyptian Premier League title, as the team now leads the league with 78 points, which is 19 points more than the second-placed Ismaily, while Zamalek is now third with 54 points after the team lost its latest game against Ismaily 3-1.

Maaloul, 28, is a key player in Tunisia’s squad. He established himself as their starting left back during their campaign to qualify for 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Tunisia plays in Group G in the World Cup alongside England, Belgium and Panama.