Al Ahly’s title defence campaign continues after win over Bizertin

Al Ahly vs CA Bizertin (Photo: CafOnline.com)
Al Ahly vs CA Bizertin (Photo: CafOnline.com)

Orange CAF Champions League defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt continued their title defending campaign by beating visitors CA Bizertin of Tunisia 2-1 on Sunday at the Cairo Air Defense Stadium. Al Ahly advanced to this year’s group stage with an aggregate 2-1 win after the first leg ended in a barren draw a fortnight ago in Bizerte. Mohamed Barakat opened the score for Al Ahly from the spot two minutes after the break, and a header from striker Emad Metaeb doubled Ahly’s lead after 63 minutes, before Nour Hadreya scored from the spot for the visitors two minutes later. Bizertin ended the game with 10 men after Mohamed Mhadhabi was sent off three minutes from time.

The game started with both sides being overcautious, and Al Ahly had the first chance after 17 minutes when Abdulla El Said shot wide. The home side had most of the possession while the visitors played a man to man marking strategy. The first half barely had any chances, with Ahly’s Ahmed Abdul Zaher shot that was saved by Bizertin keeper Farouk Bin Mustafa as the opening half’s most dangerous moment. It ended in a goalless draw. Read more