South African striker Fagrie Lakay marked his debut for Ceramica Cleopatra by scoring just before halftime, but his late effort proved only a consolation.

Defending champions Ahly will now face arch-rivals Zamalek on Thursday, while Ceramica Cleopatra are set to meet Pyramids FC in the third-place playoff.

Ahly coach Marcel Koller made a bold move by resting several of his international stars, including first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy and the league’s top scorer Wessam Abou Ali, opting for five changes in his starting lineup.

It took Ahly just 11 seconds to break the deadlock, as Taher pounced on a defensive mistake to head the ball over goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam.

Emam Ashour, operating from the left wing, nearly doubled the lead with a fierce shot that rattled the crossbar. Bassam managed to clear the rebound just before Percy Tau could capitalize on another defensive lapse.

Ceramica Cleopatra recovered from their early setback, with Ahmed Kendouci and Mahmoud Zalaka testing Ahly’s stand-in goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Lakay then found the equalizer in the final moments of the first half, slotting home at the near post after being picked out by Zalaka.

Ahly regained control in the second half, and Taher restored their lead with a superb finish from Yahia Attiat Allah’s corner.

Despite late pressure from Ceramica Cleopatra, Ahly held on to secure their place in the final.

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