Sofiane, who played for several European clubs, runs out of contract by the end of the season and has yet to reach an extension agreement with the Algerian champions.

“I hope to stay with Alger especially after we’ve qualified for the Champions League group stage,” the 26-year-old told Elheddaf newspaper.

“I am dreaming of the Ahli match at Stade 5 Juillet. It will be an unforgettable Ramadan night.”

Ahli will host Alger in Cairo on August 14 before visiting the Algiers club two weeks later in the Group B encounter.

The tough group also includes runners-up Esperance from Tunisia and the winner of the playoff tie between Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca and Simba Sports of Tanzania.