The record 12-time African champions, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive continental title, ended a three-match winless run with a disciplined performance in front of their home crowd.
Hani scored the winner in the 11th minute, firing a powerful left-footed shot into the net after Al-Hilal goalkeeper Issa Fofana failed to hold onto Emam Ashour’s curling cross from the right flank.
Ahly started brightly, nearly opening the scoring earlier through Achraf Bencharki, whose header inside the box was well saved by Fofana in the 8th minute. The home side continued to dominate possession, with Moroccan left-back Yahya Attiat-Allah a frequent outlet on the left.
Emam Ashour, a constant threat, missed a golden opportunity to double Ahly’s lead in the 15th minute when he went one-on-one with the keeper, only to be denied again by Fofana.
Despite their early control, the Egyptian giants were unable to add to their lead, and Al-Hilal gradually grew into the game. Jean Claude Girumugisha had the visitors’ best chance just before the break, but his low shot from inside the area was comfortably handled by Mohamed El Shennawy.
Al-Hilal, forced to play their home fixtures in Mauritania due to the conflict in Sudan, showed resilience and commitment but struggled to create clear chances. Coach Florent Ibenge made a double substitution just past the hour mark to inject fresh energy, introducing Adama Coulibaly and Abdelrazig Omer.
Girumugisha came close again in the 77th minute, dragging a shot narrowly wide from the right side of the box, while Ahly substitute Nejc Gradisar tested Al-Hilal with a low effort that drifted past the post.
Late yellow cards for Rabia and Omar Kamal reflected the intensity of the closing stages, but Ahly held firm through six minutes of added time.
The win puts Ahly in a favourable position heading into the return leg, as they chase a record-extending 13th CAF Champions League crown.
Al-Hilal, who topped their group despite challenging circumstances, will need a stronger offensive display in the second leg if they are to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2015.
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