The Tunisian side are looking to put an end to title holders Ahli's two-year unbeaten run in the African competition.

"The players are physically and mentally ready to kick-off the group stage campaign with a victory over Ahli that will put us in pole position to qualify to the semi-final, especially that the upcoming two games at home," Mahjoub told reporters on Friday.

"The players have also expressed their determination to do their best in order to be the first Tunisian team to win this cup," he added.

Sfaxien's coaching staff has studied Ahli's style of play through watching previous games for the Egyptian champions in the local league and preliminary rounds of the African Champions League as well as their recent 1-1 friendly draw with French Paris Saint-Germain.

Several changes will be made in Sfaxien starting line-up due to the absence of midfield duo Haythem Mrabet trough suspension and Jamel Khcharem, who was ruled out for sixth months because of injury.

Reports indicate that Mahjoub will start the match with a defensive approach, trying to dominate the midfield as well as marking the opponent's main threats like playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika.

Sfaxien will conclude their preparations by undergoing the last training session before the match on Friday night.