Egyptian giants Al Ahly secured a 1-0 victory over Ghanaian side Medeama in Kumasi to book their place in the CAF Champions League knockout stage.
The lone goal came in the 48th minute when Hussein El-Shahat converted an assist from Anthony Modeste.
It was a hard-fought match with chances at both ends. Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made several key saves, denying efforts from Bernardinho Tetteh and Fatawu Hamidu. Modeste and El-Shahat also missed opportunities for Ahly in the first half.
Coach Marcel Koller, made three changes to the lineup, bringing in Amr El-Sulaya, Karim ‘Nedved’ Walid, and Percy Tau as starters. Medeama immediately attacked from kick-off seeking an early goal. However, Ahly relied on their sturdy defense while looking to counter.
In the 11th minute, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir showcased his skills with an excellent save to deny Bernardinho Tetteh’s left-footed effort. Soon after, Hussein El-Shahat came close for Ahly but sent his shot high over the bar after a pass from El-Sulaya.
Shobeir rescued his side again in the 21st minute, diverting a shot from Fatawu Hamidu. Later in the 38th minute, Anthony Modeste missed a golden opportunity, sending his shot wide after receiving an assist from Emam Ashour.
Just three minutes after halftime, Ahly grabbed the lead through El-Shahat, who finished calmly from Modeste’s assist after good play from El-Sulaya. Shobeir continued his heroics by denying Derrick Fordjour soon after.
In the 67th minute, Koller brought on defender Rami Rabia for the injured Karim Nedved and introduced striker Wessam Abou Ali for Modeste. Abou Ali nearly added a second late on but his shot was brilliantly blocked.
The 1-0 victory books Ahly’s spot in the knockout round as Group D winners on 9 points. Meanwhile, Medeama remain bottom on 4 points after the hard-fought defeat.
With the win, Ahly finish top of Group D on 9 points to advance. It was a resilient performance as they overcame a relentless attacking threat from the hosts to ultimately grab the victory.
