Holders Al Ahly qualified to the 2021-22 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League group stage in style, after defeating visitors Gendarmerie Nationale 6-1 in Cairo on Saturday evening.

Al Ahly survived an early exit scare to reach the group stage in style.

The Egyptian giants dominated Niger’s visitors US Gendarmerie Nationale 6-1 in Cairo, to qualify winning 7-2 on aggregate.

After an away 1-1 draw last weekend in Niamey, holders Al Ahly wanted to avoid any kind of surprises at home.

And they broke the deadlock after 9 minutes through Mohamed Sherif to his coach Pitso Mosimane’s relief.

Mohamed “Afsha” Magdy, who scored in both 2020 and 2021 finals added Al Ahly’s second after 17 minutes, but Issofou Hinsa gave USGN something to cheer ten minutes from the break, as the first half ended 2-1 in Red Devils’ favor.

Al Ahly returned with more determination to finish the mission, and added three goals in the span of ten minutes.

Afsha completed his brace after 58 minutes, before substitute Hussein El Shahat scored shortly after coming in to make it 4-1 at the 64th minute.

Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel Moneam capped his amazing night, scoring after 69 minutes, after producing three assists on the night. And in the last minute, substitute Hamdy Fathy put the cherry on Ahly’s cake as he made it 6-1.

Record ten time champions Al Ahly continue their title defending campaign at they are seeking an unprecedented third Champions League title in a row this season.