Ali Maaloul’s double helped Al Ahly to a 2-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in their African Champions League first-leg quarter-final encounter at the Al-Salaam Stadium.
The Brazilians went into the match lacking a natural striker with Lebohang Maboe, Gaston Sirino and Sibusiso Vilakazi leading the attack in Cairo.
Al Ahly went close to breaking the deadlock after four minutes when Junior Ajayi rifled a low effort just wide of the upright.
Sundowns went close with their first chance in the 15th minute, as Lebahong Maboe rattled the frame of the goal with a volley from a tight angle.
David Onyango came to Sundowns’ rescue in the 23rd minute, as the shot-stopper produced a superb save to deny Mohamed Afsha from point-blank range.
The deadlock was nearly broken in the 39th minute, as Marwan Mohsen combined well with Ali Maaloul, before volleying inches wide of the upright from 25-yards out.
The score remained level at 0-0 at the halftime break.
Pitso Mosimane’s men started the second half the way they did the first, as Wayne Aredse’s powerful free-kick forced El Sahawy into a fine save in the 50th minute.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half as Ali Maaloul managed to slot past Onyango from close range after persistent pressure.
Ricardo Nascimento scored an equalizer in the 62nd minute but his curling free-kick forced Denis Onyango into a fine finger-tip save.
Sundowns’ task was made even tougher in the 75th minute after Maaloul fired home from the penalty spot on 68 minutes after Ali Badji went down in the danger area.
The Brazilians nearly found their equaliser in the 84th minute through Tiyani Mabunda but the Bafana international’s header flew inches over the crossbar.
Maaloul nearly completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute, the Al Ahly striker ran the length of the pitch before firing just wide of Onyango’s post.
How they lined up:
Al Ahly: Mohamed El Shenawy (GK), Ahmed Fathi, Yasser Ibrahim, Mahmoud Metwali,Ali Maaloul, Amr El Solaya ,Aliou Dieng ,Hussein El Shahat ,Mohamed Magdy Afsha ,Junior Oluwafemi Ajayi ,Marwan Mohsen
Mamelodi Sundowns: Denis Onyango (GK) ,Mosa Lebusa ,Motjeka Madisha ,Ricardo Nascimento ,Wayne Arendse ,Andile Jali ,Hlompho Kekana ,Sibusiso Vilakazi ,Themba Zwane ,Gaston Leandro Sirino ,Lebohang Maboe
