Ahly make up for a disappointing start to their Group A campaign after claiming a 1-0 victory at Congo’s AC Leopards in the African Champions League on Saturday
A first-half goal from Walid Soliman gave Ahly a vital 1-0 win at Congo’s AC Leopards on Saturday as the title holders atoned for a lackluster start to their African Champions League group-stage campaign.
Soliman notched what proved to be the winner four minutes before the break in a dull Group A encounter played on a poor pitch in Dolisie.
The victory revived Ahly’s chances of booking a semi-final berth as they moved level on four points with Leopards, having collected a solitary point from their opening two games.
South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, who also have four points, take on Ahly’s Egyptian rivals Zamalek (one point) in the other group game later in the day.
Ahly were on the back foot for the much of a cagey first half, with Leopards dominating possession and keeping opposing defenders on their toes.
However, Ahly’s backline remained tight, restricting Leopards to some half-chances that included a powerful shot blocked by keeper Sherif Ekramy after 18 minutes.
The Red Devils scored against the run of play when a neatly-worked counter attack saw Abou-Treika release Walid Soliman with a deft through pass on 41 minutes.
The speedy winger outpaced his marker to send a delicate first-time shot past the advancing keeper and into the net.
Leopards, helped by lively forward Junior Mouzita, piled on pressure in the second half and squandered a couple of goal-scoring chances as Ahly held firm to claim all three points.
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