Maaloul's early goal helps Al Ahly secure semifinal spot

CAIRO-7 March 2020: Al Ahly secured an important 1_1 draw at South Africa to secure qualification to the CAF Champions League semi-finals after winning the tie 3_1 on aggregate.

The Red Devils knew how to get the result they needed to advance to the semi-finals.

Al Ahly Tunisian left back Ali Maaloul opened the score from a free kick as his shot was deflected by Sundowns defender to grant Al Ahly an early lead.

The home team equalised the score minutes later by Gastón Sirino who followed Mohamed El Shenawy's save to make the score 1_1.

The South African side needed three goals to overcome the 2_0 loss in Cairo but Al Ahly players stopped their attempts to keep the result 1_1 and advance to the semi-finals.

Al Ahly will face the winner between Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia and Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

Al Ahly have a record 8 Champions League titles and the Red Devils aim to win their 9th title and their first since 2013.