Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim said his side had a modest approach to their clash against Morocco's Wydad in the second leg of the African Champions League semifinal, with their down-to-earth attitude propelling them to another victory.

Ahly defeated Wydad 3-1 in Cairo on Friday to reach their third Champions League final in four years with a 5-1 on aggregate victory.

Central defender Ibrahim netted the third in the second half when he rose unmarked to head home a corner, effectively wrapping up the win.

"Despite winning 2-0 in Morocco, we played the second leg as if we have lost the first one. All the players did their best," the 27-year-old told beIN Sports after the game. 

"We know pretty well that Wydad is a big club in North Africa; that's why we paid them the proper respect, and we didn't underestimate them despite winning the first leg."

Ahly's experienced goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi said coach Pitso Mosimane had told them at halftime to try and score more goals, even though their progress was virtually guaranteed. 

"Mosimane asked the players to control possession and go for more goals after the break, which we did, thanks God," he added.

Ahly will be waiting for the winner of the other semifinal between Egypt's Zamalek and Morocco's Raja on 1 November. The final will take place at Cairo's International Stadium on 6 November.

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