Al Ahly book CAF Champions League group stage spot after narrow win over Aigle Noir

Al Ahly have officially secured their place in the CAF Champions League group stage after defeating Burundi’s Aigle Noir 1-0 in the second leg of the Round of 32, held at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday night.

The Egyptian champions entered the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and managed to seal qualification with another narrow victory, completing a 2-0 aggregate win over the Burundian side.

Watch Al Ahly’s goal:

The game took a dramatic turn in the 16th minute when Al Ahly forward Nejc Gradisar was shown a straight red card in a controversial decision by the referee, leaving the hosts to play with ten men for more than 70 minutes.

Watch the red card:

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Al Ahly managed to score a goal. In the 58th minute, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane delivered a brilliant through pass behind the Aigle Noir defense, setting up Omar Kamal, who slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to give Al Ahly the lead.

The Red Devils holded their advantage until the final whistle to record a 1-0 win on the night and 2-0 on aggregate, confirming their progression to the group stage of the competition.

Al Ahly will now await the CAF Champions League group stage draw, scheduled for November 3, as they look to continue their quest for another continental crown.

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