The decision came after fourth-placed Al-Gaish rejected an invitation from the Association to face the African champions after Zamalek and Ismaili pulled out.

"We received a negative response from Al-Gaish, so Al-Hodoud are recalled to face Ahli," EFA General Secretary Salah Hosni told FilGoal.com.

Consequently, the Alexandria-based club, who finished fifth in the league last season, was selected automatically to face double champions Ahli after the three other candidates pulled out.

League and cup runner-up Zamalek refused to play the game, while third-placed Ismaili have a busy continental schedule next month.

If Al-Hodoud accepted the FA's invitation to play the game, they will be on course to win their first ever trophy.