As the defending champions are favorites following a 1-1 first-leg draw in Cameroon, coach Youssef has decided to rest his three internationals.

Under-fire center-half Mohamed Naguib will start at the heart of defense, despite a forgettable performance against Ghana with Egypt last week.

Goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami is fit to start between the posts after limping off the Ghana game with a knee injury.

Egypt quartet Mohamed Abou-Treika, Walid Soliman, Ahmed Fathi and Abdullah Al-Saied all retain their places.

AHLI XI: Ekrami – Fathi, Abdul-Fadil, Naguib, Moawad – Shehab, Rabiea, Al-Saied, Soliman, Abou-Treika – Abdul-Zaher.