Ali's sweetly-struck effort with seven minutes remaining gave Masry a deserved win in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria as they made up for a similar late loss to Otôho d'Oyo on the road last month.

Masry lie on top of Group C with seven points from four matches, ahead of second-placed TP Mazembe of the DR Congo on goal difference.

Otôho d'Oyo are third on four points, followed by Cameroon's Coton Sport on three points.

Masry's first real chance fell to Ali, whose shot from inside the area struck the post after 28 minutes.

Striker Amr Marei had a couple of opportunities shortly before the break, heading over the bar and then forcing a fine save from keeper Pavelh Ndzila with a snap shot.

Substitute Austin Amutu also went close with another head in the 74th minute before Ali finally broke the deadlock nine minutes later after some good work from right-back Karim Eraki.

Eraki weaved his way down the right and cut the ball back to Ali, whose superb first-timer beat Ndzila at his near post.

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