The regional derby in Algeria two weeks ago was marred by a series of violent events on and off the pitch, despite the warm reception Ahli had initially received.

But the Egyptian champions fulfilled their promise to greet their visitors in the return tie as the eagerly-anticipated clash looms.

"I am very happy with the great reception from Ahli's part. I was confident this would happen from such a club," Hannachi said after arriving at Cairo airport.

"Many thanks to chairman Hassan Hamdi. The reception this time was even better than our last visit to Egypt (in Ismailia).

"I hope the Egyptian and Algerian media would work on strengthening the link between the people of both nations."

Kabylie need a point from Sunday's game to reach the semis as they lead Group B with a maximum nine points, five ahead of Ahli.