Ahly to face Europe champions

Egyptian giants Ahly will face European champions Barcelona in a friendly match in Cairo as part of the club's centenary celebrations.

Next month, Ahly will celebrate 100 years of existence - a period in which they have won 99 trophies.

Barcelona are expected to receive nearly US$2m for playing the match and field a strong squad, including star names such as Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.

The match is to be bankrolled by a conglomerate of Egyptian companies and banks.

Although the day of the game has yet to be determined, it is expected to be held between May and August.

"The final date will be decided depending on Barcelona's progress in the Champions League," said Ibrahim El Mealem, the head of Ahly's centenary celebrations committee.

Ahly's projected clash with Barcelona follows on from the African champions' match against Real Madrid in 2001.

The Egyptians won the game 1-0 despite Real fielding players of the quality of Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.

The Barca tie will be the third match for the Cairo club against a Spanish side in recent years.

In 2003, the Egyptians drew with Real Sociedad 1-1 in an exhibition match in Spain.