Ali, who was promoted to a first-teamer last summer, featured quite frequently in the past season but barely lived up to expectations.

Promising youngster Afroto was also omitted.

Defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil proved to be effective while playing as a right back. He made the squad and is widely expected to be deployed as a wide man.

Combative midfielder Ahmed Fathi, who has just recuperated from a groin injury, was also included in the 20-man list.

Left winger Sayed Moawad was named for the first time in weeks as he was resting along with Ahli's key players after their league triumph.

Ahli's squad:

Goalkeepers: Sherif Ekrami, Ahmed Adel.

Defenders: Wael Gomaa, Ahmed Al-Sayed, Sherif Abdul-Fadil, Saad Al-Din Samir, Sayed Moawad, Gilberto.

Midfielders: Mohamed Barakat, Ahmed Fathi, Ahmed Hassan, Hossam Ashour, Shehab Al-Din, Mostafa Shebeita, Abdullah Farouk, Ahmed Shokri, Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Strikers: Mohamed Fadl, Ahmed Belal, Francis Doe.