By Mohamed Korime
Al Ahly took a slim lead into the return leg of the CAF Champions League first round tie following a 1-0 victory over Bidvest Wits in the first leg played on Saturday.
The home side took the game to Wits and dominated large parts of the encounter.
A second half header by Ahmed Hegazy ensured they take a lead into the return leg of the first round match.
The first 20 minutes of the game were uneventful. Al Ahly were possessing the ball without any threat on Bidvest’s goal who managed to keep Al Ahly away from their penalty area.
In the 21st minute, Ali Maaloul played a low cross to Momen Zakaria who found the net but his goal was ruled out for offside.
At the half-hour mark, Abdallah El-Said had the chance to break the deadlock but he failed to convert with Momen Zakarias cross to find Bidvest’s keeper hands easily.
Al Ahly continued their negative control over the game for the rest of the half, as both teams headed to the dressing rooms with a goalless draw.
El Badry decided to make his first change of the game before the start of the second half, as Ahmed Hamoudi made his debut in African competitions with the Red Devils, replacing Momen Zakaria.
Two minutes into the first half, Amr Gamal received a ball from Abdallah El-Said, but his strike hit the bar.
After 57 minutes, Hegazy put Al Ahly into the lead, Ghaly headed Hamoudi’s corner into the 6-yard area, before it was finished up by Hegazy’s header into the net.
Wits best chance in the game came in the final minutes of the game when Mhango released a shot that was pushed out for unfruitful corner by Sherif Ekramy.
Al-Ahly will now have a mountain to climb when both teams meet in the return leg match slated for Saturday 18th March in Pretoria.
Ahly: Ekramy, Saas, Maldul, Gazy, Hany, Fathy, Ghaly (Ashor 64′) , Moamen, Abdallah, Ajayi (Solomon 62′), Amir.
Wits: Josephs, Allie, Hlatshwayo, Mkhwanazi, Hlanti, Mlambo, Monare, Scott, Klate (Malajila), Mhango, Mahlambi.
