Holders Ahly kick-start CAF champions league in style against Stade d’Abidjan

Al Ahly started their CAF Champions League Group C with a 4-2 win over Stade d’Abidjan in a match played at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Egyptian champions will now travel to South Africa to take on Orlando Pirates in their second Group C match on December 7. The Ivorian champions, on the other hand, will play host Algerian side CR Belouizdad on December 7 in another Group C game.

It took just 14 minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock as Mohamed Magdy set up Mahmoud Kahraba who netted to hand Al Ahly a 1-0 lead. The provider then became the goalscorer when Magdy scored in the 21st minute to make it 2-0 to Al Ahly.

Kahraba, who was also a constant threat to the Abidjan defence, grabbed an assist when Hussein El Shahat netted in the 26th minute to make it 3-0 to Al Ahly. However, the hosts went to sleep at the back on the hour-mark and they conceded when Kassoum Kone found the back of the net, and the score was 3-1 to Al Ahly at half-time.

Another entertaining half followed as Al Ahly restored their lead through Kahraba who was playing some of his best football on the night. The former Zamalek attacker beat goalkeeper Drissa Bamba to make it 4-1 to Al Ahly in the 48th minute – grabbing his brace in the process.

However, Abidjan continued to launch attacks after conceding for the fourth time on the night. Roger Assale reduced the deficit when he netted in the 55th minute with Mohamed Niampa providing the assist, but Al Ahly held to secure a 4-2 victory over Abidjan.