In a tense and tactical encounter at the Sheikh Bedia Stadium in Nouakchott, Mauritania, defending champions Al Ahly edged Sudan’s Al Hilal 1-0 in the CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg, completing a 2-0 aggregate victory.
Egyptian midfielder Imam Ashour emerged as the hero once again, netting an 80th-minute winner to send the Red Devils into their 21st semi-final—their sixth consecutive appearance in the last four.
The match began cautiously, with Al Ahly dominating possession but Al Hilal threatening on the counter. Slovenian forward Nijk Gradishar came closest early for Al Ahly, forcing a sharp save from Al Hilal’s Ivorian goalkeeper Issa Fofana in the 9th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error. The Sudanese side grew into the game, but their final-third decisions lacked precision.
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Al Ahly squandered a golden opportunity in the 34th minute when a low cross evaded both Gradishar and Wissam Abu Ali at the far post.
Ashour, who had scored the winner in the first leg, nearly doubled his tally before halftime with a thunderous long-range strike, but Fofana parried it away. After the break, Al Hilal intensified their press. Winger Ahmed Salem broke through one-on-one with Al Ahly’s Egyptian international goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the 64th minute, only to be denied by a textbook save.
The Sudanese giants’ hopes were dashed ten minutes from time when substitute Taher Mohamed delivered a pinpoint cross to Ashour, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal. Al Hilal pushed desperately in stoppage time, but Al Ahly’s defense held firm. Ahmed Reda nearly added a second for the visitors in the 93rd minute, but Fofana’s reflexes kept the scoreline respectful.
The victory extends Al Ahly’s continental dominance. Under Swiss coach Marcel Koller, the Egyptian giants now face a blockbuster semi-final clash against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, reigniting a fierce rivalry that has defined recent Champions League campaigns.
Al Ahly’s clinical efficiency—showcased by Ashour’s clutch performances—proves they remain the team to beat in Africa.
The Sudanese side’s exit marks the end of CECAFA’s representation in this year’s competition. Despite a valiant effort under coach Florent Ibenge, Al Hilal’s inability to convert chances—coupled with the logistical challenge of playing “home” matches in Mauritania due to Sudan’s political instability—proved costly.
Their campaign, however, highlighted resilience: topping a group featuring TP Mazembe and Young Africans SC was a historic feat.
Al Ahly’s disciplined midfield, marshaled by Ashour, neutralized Al Hilal’s attacking threats. The Egyptian side’s experience in high-stakes matches shone through, particularly in absorbing second-half pressure before delivering the knockout blow. Al Hilal, meanwhile, will rue their lack of composure in critical moments—a recurring theme in their head-to-head record against Al Ahly, which now stands at five wins for the Egyptians in nine meetings.
Al Ahly’s semi-final against Sundowns promises fireworks, with both teams boasting continental pedigree. For Al Hilal, rebuilding begins with domestic priorities, though their Champions League run has restored pride amid challenging circumstances. As the dust settles in Nouakchott, Al Ahly’s quest for an unprecedented 13th title remains alive—and their rivals are on notice.
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