Despite squandering a famous win in Nigeria, Ahly were still satisfied with a 3-3 draw at Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars which put them on the verge of a place in the African Champions League final.

Sunshine’s Osasco Precious struck with six minutes remaining to salvage a first-leg draw in the semi final but Ahly are still firm favourites to reach the final for the first time since 2008.

“We were close to snatching the victory but a draw is a good result for Ahly as we still have a game in Egypt,” Ahly’s assistant coach Mohamed Youssef said on the club’s official website after the game.

“Ahly's players did their best throughout the game and wasted more chances to score.”

Forward El-Sayed Hamdi, who was given a rare start, repaid the faith of coach Hossam El-Badry by scoring Ahly’s second goal after 30 minutes.

His strike partner, Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’, notched up a brace as Ahly put on a lively attacking display.

“I thank Ahly's technical staff for trusting me after they allowed me to start the game,” Hamdi, who was recently linked with a move away from the Red Devils, said.

“I hope I can now book a regular place in the team,” he added.

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