The Red Devils, who were missing a host of players including South Africa’s Percy Tau, Tunisia’s Ali Maaloul, versatile midfielder Hamdi Fathi and trickster forward Ahmed Abdel-Kader, adopted a cautious approach against their star-studded rivals.

The game sprung to life in the 18th minute when Taher Mohamed Taher met a corner from Mohamed “Afsha” Magdi at the far post with a powerful header that beat keeper Sherif Ekramy.

Pyramids FC enjoyed a large ball possession but couldn’t carve out spaces in Ahly’s compact defence.

Tunisian forward Fakhredine Ben Youssef squandered his team’s best chance when he intercepted a blunder from Yasser Ibrahim but his weak shot went easily into the hands of keeper Mohamed El Shennawy.

Ahly practically killed the tie when Afsha sent clear substitute striker Hossam Hassan to double the lead in the 90th minute.

Ramadan Sobhi scored a late consolation goal from a penalty kick deep in injury time after a foul from Rami Rabia on Abdallah El Said.

Ahly will face second-division team Petrojet in the semi-final.

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