Caf Champions League: Al Ahly 3-0 Esperance (4-0 agg) – Red Devils progress to the final
The Egyptian Premier League giants have reached the final of the competition for the second consecutive season after strolling past the Tunisians
Al Ahly have qualified for the final of the 2020-21 Caf Champions League defeating Esperance 3-0 on Saturday evening.
Goals from Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Sherif and Hussein El Shahat were all the Egyptian Premier League side needed to see off the Tunisian giants.
Mohamed Sherif’s 67th-minute strike had handed the Red Devils a 1-0 first-leg advantage at Stade Olympique de Rades.
Nonetheless, the Tunisians traveled to Cairo’s Al-Salam Stadium hoping to overturn their deficit against Pitso Mosimane’s men.
In the opening minutes of the game, Moine Chaabani showed a lot of promise, nonetheless, they were unlucky in front of the goal thanks to excellent goalkeeping from Egypt international Mohamed El Shenawy.
However, the hosts were handed a big chance to take the lead after Taher Mohamed was tripped in the penalty area by Algerian defender Ilyes Chetti.
Although referee Sidi Alioum had waived off penalty appeals from Al Ahly players, VAR replays adjudged that the forward was fouled in the danger area.
After Chetti was given his marching orders from denying an obvious goalscoring chance, the Cameroonian arbiter pointed to the penalty spot – a decision that Esperance players protested.
Maaloul took the ensuing kick and sent goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia in the wrong direction.
Walking a tight rope, the visiting side stepped up their game in the second leg. Even at that, it was Mosimane’s team who dominated every department of the keenly contested affair.
Al Ahly doubled their lead in the 56th minute after Sherif slotted the ball past goalkeeper Cherifia thanks to an assist from Mohamed Magdy who profited from the Esperance players being caught flat-footed.
Four minutes later, they extended their lead. Again, it was Magdy who was the architect. Sending a long pass to El Shahat, the midfielder controlled the ball, beat his marker before placing the ball inside the net.
Despite the assistant referee chalking off the goal for offside, VAR replays confirmed that the goal was legitimate.
Al Ahly held on to their lead while Esperance – who would be unhappy for a lethargic first leg display – crashed out of the African club championship.
The reigning African kings will face Kaizer Chiefs in the Caf Champions League final on July 17 at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca.
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