No miracle for Al Ahly

There was no miracle comeback for Al Ahly in their Caf Champions League quarterfinal tie, as their 1-0 win at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Saturday evening was not enough to prevent Mamelodi Sundowns advancing at their expense.

The Brazilians, on the strength of their 5-0 home win over the Red Devils in Tshwane last weekend, move into the semifinals with a 5-1 aggregate triumph. The South African champions will face either Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) or Horoya AC (Guinea).

Ahly nearly claimed a desired early lead when striker Walid Azarou hit the post with a curling effort in the 17th minute, and Downs needed goalkeeper Denis Onyango to make several fine saves, though he was generally well protected by the defence in front of him.

Sundowns were restricted to making chances from counter attacks for the most part and Mohamed El Shenawy was forced into saves to deny Lebogang Maboe and Hlompho Kekana, ensuring the first half ended 0-0.

Ahly finally broke the deadlock midway through the second half, with Azarou heading home from Ahmed Fathy’s right-wing cross, but it didn’t spark the avalanche of goals the hosts desperately needed.

They forced Onyango into more action as they poured men forward, but Sundowns looked comfortable in dealing with whatever the Egyptian giants could throw at them and ultimately emerged as deserved victors in the quarterfinal tie.

Al Ahly (0) 1 (Azarou 68’)

Mamelodi Sundowns 0

Sundowns won 5-1 on aggregate