Al Ahly made an emphatic start to their CAF Champions League Group C campaign with a commanding 4-2 victory over Stade d’Abidjan at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Early Dominance from Al Ahly
The Egyptian champions wasted no time asserting their dominance. Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel-Moneim opened the scoring in the 14th minute after being set up by Mohamed Magdy, known as “Afsha.”
Just seven minutes later, Afsha turned goalscorer, doubling the lead with a well-taken finish.
The hosts continued their relentless attack as Kahraba provided an assist for Hussein El Shahat, who made it 3-0 in the 26th minute.
Al Ahly seemed in complete control, but a lapse in concentration allowed Stade d’Abidjan to pull one back before halftime.
Kassoum Koné capitalized on a defensive error in the 30th minute to make it 3-1 at the break.
Second-Half Drama
The second half resumed with Al Ahly quickly reasserting their dominance.
Kahraba, who delivered a standout performance, struck again in the 48th minute to restore the three-goal cushion, taking the score to 4-1.
Despite conceding, Stade d’Abidjan showed resilience and continued to press forward.
Roger Assalé reduced the deficit in the 55th minute after an assist from Mohamed Niampa, but the visitors could not bridge the gap further.
Tactical Substitutions and Game Management
Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller made strategic substitutions in the second half to preserve the lead and maintain control of the game.
Despite sustained pressure from Stade d’Abidjan, the Egyptian side’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, held firm to secure the win.
Group C Outlook
The victory puts Al Ahly in a strong position as they prepare to face South Africa’s Orlando Pirates on December 7 in Johannesburg.
Stade d’Abidjan, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they host Algerian side CR Belouizdad on the same day.
Line-Ups
Al Ahly: Mohamed El Shenawy; Khaled Abdel Fattah, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Yahia Attiat Allah (El Debes 83′); Marwan Attia, Akram Tawfik (El Saeey 83′), Mohamed “Afsha” Magdy (Koka 76′); Hussein El Shahat (Slim 75′), Taher Mohamed Taher, Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel-Moneim (Tau 76′).
Stade d’Abidjan: Drissa Bamba; Adama Ardile Traoré, Seydou Touré, Yann Zébré, Mohamed Niampa (Koanda 78′), Saint-Jean Koré (Moukoro 77′), Ben Kouyaté (Kouakou 79′), Essis Beaudeleire Aka, Babacar Guèye, Roger Assalé, Kassoum Koné.
Al Ahly’s commanding display has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Champions League campaign.
