Al Ahly reach Champions League quarter-finals

CAIRO-3 April 2021: Al Ahly booked a ticket in the CAF Champions League quarter-final after securing a late draw against Al Merrikh in Sudan on Saturday.

The Red Devils were behind by two goals at the break but two goals from Al Ahly defenders Badr Benoun and Yasser Ibrahim secured a point for Al Ahly.

This point was enough for the defending champions to reach the quarter-finals as they are second in the group with 8 points, four points ahead of the third-placed AS Vita Club of Congo.

Ramadan Agab opened the score for the home team by a perfect header to the top corner and his teammate Saifeldin Maki made the score 2-0 before half time.

The home team had a chance to add the third goal seconds before half time when the referee awarded them a penalty but Agab failed to convert it.

“We did many mistakes in the match and several of our players were out of form which affected our performance. I was sure that we can bounce back in the second half. I believe in my players and their ability to deliver.” Al Ahly’s head coach Pitso Mosimane said after the game.

In the second half, Al Ahly returned in the game after several substitutions from Mosimane.

Badr Benoun narrowed the gap when he scored from the spot and an impressive late header from Yasser Ibrahim secured a 2-2 draw for the visitors.