Al Ahly’s Journey Ends in AFL Semi-Finals Following Stalemate with Sundowns

Ahly’s aspirations to reach the African Football League (AFL) final were quashed as they played out a 0-0 draw against the South African team, Sundowns, in the semi-finals' second leg at Cairo Stadium on a Wednesday matchday.

Previously suffering a 1-0 loss in the first leg in Pretoria this past Sunday, the Red Devils were required to stage a comeback to progress. However, they were unable to make the necessary impact in the return fixture.

With a crowd of over 50,000 fans backing them, Ahly initiated the game on a strong note, quickly earning a penalty in the 7th minute due to a foul by Sundowns’ goalkeeper on Ahly’s South African striker, Percy Tau, within the box.

Regrettably, penalty expert Ali Maaloul was unable to convert from the spot, as his powerful attempt was thwarted by the keeper, Ronwen Williams, in the 11th minute.

A mere two minutes afterward, Ahly nearly found the back of the net following a mishap by Williams, who mishandled an easy ball. Although a defender endeavored to clear the danger, the ball deflected off Ahly’s forward, Mahmoud 'Kahraba' Abdel-Moneam, and struck the post.

The 20th minute presented another opportunity for Ahly, yet the keeper’s blunder was averted by a defender prior to Kahraba’s intervention.

Kahraba later failed to capitalize on a well-delivered cross from Emam Ashour on the right flank, sending his effort wide.

In the latter half of the match, Ahly’s offensive momentum subsided, allowing Sundowns to focus on time-wasting tactics and retaining possession.

In an effort to shift the momentum, Ahly’s coach made three substitutions in the 70th minute. Unfortunately, Moroccan winger Reda Slim sustained a shoulder injury just five minutes after entering the pitch and was substituted out for Ahmed Abdel-Qader.

Sundowns faced a setback when substitute winger Junior Mendieta was shown a direct red card for a harsh challenge on Ahly defender Akram Tawfik in the 85th minute.

The match concluded without further notable chances for Ahly, leading to their exit from the competition. Despite this, they will receive a $1.7 million prize for their semifinal achievement.

Sundowns will now advance to face Moroccan team Wydad de Casablanca in the final, following their victory over Esperance de Tunis in a penalty shootout, 5-4, in the other semi-final match earlier on Wednesday.