Off to Champions League Semi-Finals

The Red Eagles sealed a ticket to the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the sixth season in a row with a 1-0 victory over Sudan's Al Hilal. 

The Champions of Africa capitalized on their first leg advantage to win the tie 2-0 on aggregate. 

Marcel Killer's men dominated from start to finish, dictating the pace and creating several chances throughout the first half, with Nejc Gradišar and Wessam Abou Ali both coming close to scoring but unable to find the target.

Mohamed El Shenawy stayed alert throughout the match, making key interventions and preserving the clean sheet.

Returning from injury for the first time since last December, Taher Mohamed Taher came on for Wessam Abou Ali and made an immediate impact. In the 80th minute, he broke forward and delivered a well-timed pass to Emam Ashour, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give Al Ahly the lead.

The Reds remained in control until the final whistle, securing another clean sheet and a well-deserved win in our first journey to Mauritania. 

Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where we will meet South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

Post-match reactions:

Marcel Koller 

“We achieved our goal and qualified for the semi-finals, despite the challenges.”

“We created several chances, kept control of the game, and showed character. This team is constantly improving, and now we focus on what’s ahead.”

Ramy Rabia

“We came with a clear goal and got the job done. Al Hilal was a strong opponent, but we stayed focused and deserved to qualify for the semifinals.”

“This win is for our fans. Their support, even here in Mauritania, means everything and we will keep fighting to make them proud.”