"It is a good result; I am satisfied because it is the best we could get tonight," the Belgian coach told beIN Sports after the game.

Percy Tau, in the 45th minute, and Mahmoud Kahraba, in the 59th minute, scored Ahly's goals, while Saif Edin Bouhara netted an 85th-minute consolation goal to keep his team's chances alive before the return leg.

"Ahly is a very good team, both physically and technically, but we also delivered a very good performance," Vandenbroucke added.

"The return leg will be very difficult, and all options are wide open. We will defend our title, and the fans will play a crucial role in Casablanca," he concluded.

The return leg is scheduled to take place in Morocco on Sunday, 11 June.

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