Al Ahly staged a late rally to secure a sensational 3-0 victory over Mazembe, booking their ticket to yet another CAF Champions League final in spectacular fashion.
With the first leg ending in a stalemate, the stage was set for a tense showdown under the floodlights of Cairo. As the match unfolded, it seemed as though fate was testing Al Ahly’s resolve when Joel Beya’s 58th-minute goal was disallowed by VAR, sparing the Egyptians from conceding.
However, Al Ahly remained undeterred, showcasing the resilience and championship pedigree that has defined them as one of Africa’s most dominant forces. In the 68th minute, Mohamed Abdelmonem’s powerful header broke the deadlock, igniting hope and belief among the passionate home crowd.
As the clock ticked down, Al Ahly’s determination only grew stronger. In a stunning display of character and skill, Wissam Abu Ali and Akram Tawfik delivered decisive blows with late strikes, sealing a remarkable comeback and sending the Al Ahly faithful into raptures.
The jubilant scenes in the stands were a testament to the euphoria sweeping through the stadium as Al Ahly secured their place in the final, where they are set to face Tunisian powerhouse Esperance in a mouthwatering showdown.
For Al Ahly, this victory served as another chapter in their storied legacy, reaffirming their status as a perennial contender for African football’s most coveted prize. Guided by the indomitable Percy Tau, the record 11-time champions showcased grit, determination, and unwavering belief as they fought tooth and nail to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
Meanwhile, for Mazembe, the agony of defeat was compounded by the manner in which victory slipped through their grasp. Despite pushing Al Ahly to the brink over two fiercely contested legs, the Congolese giants ultimately fell short, left to ponder what might have been.
As Al Ahly revels in their triumph and looks ahead to the final, they do so with a sense of purpose and determination, fueled by the desire to maintain their stranglehold on African club football’s grandest stage. For them, the journey is far from over as they stand on the brink of yet another historic triumph.
Photo: CAF Online
