Ahly Champions League quarterfinal berth delayed after final-seconds loss to Belouizdad

Ahram Online , Friday 3 Jan 2025

Egyptian giants Ahly missed the chance to secure their place in the CAF Champions League quarterfinals after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria’s CR Belouizdad in the fourth round of the group stage on Friday, with the loss ending the defending Champions’ impressive 27-match unbeaten run in the competition.

Ahly
Ahly's Moroccan defender Yahya Attiat-Allah controls the ball during his side's 1-0 defeat to Algeria's Belouizdad in the fourth round of CAF CHampions League group stage on Friday. Photo: Ahly's official X account.

 

A stoppage-time goal by defender Naoufel Khacef sealed the victory for the Algerian side, reigniting their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages.

Ahly’s Swiss coach Marcel Koller made three changes to his starting lineup from the previous encounter between the two sides, introducing midfield duo Emam Ashour and Ahmed ‘Koka’ Nabil, while Karim El Debes was deployed on the right wing.

From the outset, Belouizdad applied intense pressure in search of an early goal, but Ahly’s resolute defense held firm.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead 15 minutes into the game through South African striker Khanyisa Mayo, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Despite controlling possession, Belouizdad struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy largely untested.

However, El-Shennawy was called into action in added time of the first half, tipping Mayo’s close-range header over the bar for a corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Belouizdad maintaining pressure but failing to seriously threaten Ahly’s goal.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils struggled to create meaningful opportunities of their own.

Koller attempted to inject fresh energy into his side in the 77th minute, bringing on Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdy and Akram Tawfik for El Debes and Amr El-Soulia, but the changes had little impact.

Moreover, Ahly’s Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali was isolated for much of the game, receiving little support from his teammates.

Just as the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, Khacef struck the winner for Belouizdad in the 91st minute.

The defender pounced on a weak shot that rebounded off El-Shennawy’s hands, slotting home from very close range.

Koller made late substitutions, introducing Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ Abdel-Moneim and Percy Tau in a bid to salvage a result, but the duo failed to make an impact as Ahly fell to a 1-0 defeat.

The loss marked the end of Ahly’s 27-match unbeaten streak in the competition, which included 19 wins and 8 draws since their last defeat to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2023 edition.

Despite the setback, Ahly remain top of Group C with 7 points, while Belouizdad moved into second place with 6 points, one ahead of third-placed Orlando Pirates.

Ahly’s upcoming game in the fifth round of the Champions League group stage will be against Ivorian side Stade d'Abidjan on 11th December.

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