Al Ahly have put one foot in the CAF Champions League final after beating Esperance 1-0 away from home.
The confrontation between the two giants took place in electric atmosphere, the conflict between the Tunisian fans and the police led to the match being delayed one hour from 6 to 7 PM.
Egypt powerhouse Al Ahly controlled the game in the first half, but possession wasn’t enough to break the deadlock, the closest the Reds came to scoring was 30 minutes in when Mohamed Sherif put the ball in the Tunisian’s nets but the goal was annulled due to offside.
Esperance on the other hand started the game in slow-pace rhythm, the only danger from the hosts came through Mohamed Ben Romdhane following a skillful solo run in the penalty area but El Shennawy was there to save the Egyptian team when he stopped the midfielder’s advance in the last second.
Second half of the game started differently, Esperance started with high pressure but no real chances were there to endanger the Red Devils, 15 minutes after the game resumed the roles were switched and Al Ahly quickly took advantage of the gained possession when Dieng sent a through ball to Sherif who scored to put the title-holders in the lead.
Esperance then took control of the ball possession again but all the opportunities that availed for them were denied by the red defenses for the game to end 1-0 in favor of Al Ahly, the win will give the Egyptian giant a huge advantage in their title-defending journey.
After the comforting win, Mosimane’s squad will come home for the second leg which will take place in Cairo next Saturday on the 26th of June.
