A dazzling Percy Tau struck twice in the 8th and 55th minutes, while Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel-Moneim killed off the tie with a final strike in the 75th minute to put Ahly on course for a fourth consecutive final and an overall 11th Champions League title.

Ahly defeated their North African rivals three times before with the scoreline 3-0, in 2007 (Champions League groupstage), 2015 (Confederation Cup groupstage), and 2021 (Champions League semifinal) at home, but this is their largest win on Tunisian soil.

The Red Devils ignored the heavy rains in Rades to dominate the game, especially in an empty stadium as the Tunisians are serving a fan ban.

Fast start

The 10-time African champions made a quick start when Kahraba set up Tau in the box for the opening goal, which the South African fired past keeper Mohamed Debchi.

Esperance were shocked but improved after the goal and came close to equalizing 12 minutes later, but Tougai’s point-blank header missed the goal.

Kahraba could have easily extended Ahly’s lead when he was sent clear on target by Tau, but his poor finish went next to the post.

Ahly showed more attacking intent after the interval, and Tau produced a brilliant solo effort, dancing past three defenders and firing at the far post from outside the box.

The hosts pressed forward to bounce back into the game but could rarely threaten keeper Mohamed El Shennawy.

Ahly were dangerous on the counter, but Hussein El Shahat, Taher Mohamed, and Hamdi Fathi wasted good chances to get on the scoresheet.

In the 75th minute, El Shahat found space and sent a low cross to Kahraba to score the third from close range and put the tie beyond doubt.

The return leg on Friday, May 19, in Cairo appears to be a formality as the Red Devils look well on course to continue their bid for a record-extending 11th Champions League title.

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