Eight-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt advanced to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League following a 3-1 aggregate win against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
Al Ahly drew 1-1 with Sundowns at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday following a 2-0 win in Egypt last week.
Sundowns fans had been hoping for a repeat of last year’s historic performance in which they thrashed the Egyptians 5-0 at the same stage in the first leg.
Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy pulled off a point-blank save from Sundowns defender Ricardo Nascimento, who was picked out from a quick set-piece.
However, the South Africans were dealt as huge blow as Legohang Maboe diverted a free kick by Ali Maaloul into his own net after 21 minutes gifting the Egyptians a valuable away goal.
Uruguayan Gaston Sirino put the 2016 champions level just six minutes later tapping home a rebound after El Shenawy saved Themba Zwane’s initial effort.
Sibusiso Vilakazi should have given Sundowns the lead on 31 minutes but his tame header at the far post fell kindly for El Shenawy who comfortable gathered the ball.
Both sides threatened to take the lead thereafter but neither side could strike another blow and the game ended 1-1.
Al Ahly will now face the winner of the last quarterfinal between two former champions, Étoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisia and Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco, at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Rades, Tunisia later on Saturday.
