Al Ahly beaten by Esperance in Champions League quarter-final first leg

Al Ahly were beaten 1-0 by Esperance in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final at the Stade Olympique de Rades on Sunday.

The Red Eagles dominated possession for long spells and created several chances that could have given them the lead.

However, Senegalese referee Issa Sy awarded Esperance a controversial penalty for a handball by Mohamed Hany, allowing the hosts to score the only goal of the match. Tougai converted from the spot to put Esperance ahead.

The referee also showed several yellow cards to Al Ahly players while overlooking the physical play of Esperance, particularly in the second half, despite their players appearing to warrant multiple bookings.

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup introduced Marwan Attia, Hussein El Shahat and Marwan Othman from the bench in search of an equaliser.

The visitors pushed forward late on, but Mohamed Hany squandered a clear chance three minutes from time when his shot from inside the area went wide of the right post.

The second leg will be played in Cairo on Saturday, 21 March.