Total Energies CAFCL: Al Ahly win the 1st Leg of the CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals

Defending African Club Champions Al Ahly have won the 1^st Leg of the CAF Champions League Quarter-Finals encounter against Morocco’s Raja Casablanca on home turf.

Al Ahly were awarded a penalty in 10 minutes after VAR ruled a decision for handling the ball in the box by midfielder Mohammed Al Makaazi.

Al Ahly midfielder Amr El Solia stepped up and took a low hard shot into the left corner to beat the goalkeeper and make it 1-0.

Midfielder El Shahat doubled the lead, 9 minutes later after a low cross into the box from Percy Tau to put the home team into a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Raja Casablanca then reduced the goal deficit from a well-placed shot by Mohamed Zrida on the stroke of half-time.

The game changed in the 60^th minute after Raja Casablanca’s defender Marouane Hadhoudi was given a straight red card for intentionally handling the ball and denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Al Ahly midfielder Amr El Solia stepped up again but missed the penalty, Al Ahly kept pressing for more goals but couldn’t find the back of the net with close to 6 shots on goal in the second half.

Raja Casablanca’s veteran goalkeeper Anas Zniti made a couple of good saves after the penalty save to keep the away side in the tie. The second leg will be played on the 23^rd of April at Stade Mohamed V Casablanca.

Other Quarter-Final Results;

ES Setif 0-0 Esperance Tunis

Petro Atletico 2-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

CR Belouizdad 0-1 Wydad

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Solomon Lubangakene

Senior Sports Writer and Football Analyst, Retired Football Player, Progressing Football Coach and Rally Fan.

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