CAFCL: Al Ahly fight back to draw at AS FAR

A hard fought clash from Group B in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) ended 1-1 between hosts AS FAR of Morocco and visitors Al Ahly on Friday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

A second half goal from Al Ahly star Trezeguet cancelled out an opening goal from Mouhcine Bouriga to give the Egyptian giants a point away from home.

Fierce home support was behind the hosts, who were looking for a victory after losing away to Young Africans in their first Group B match. It was a strong start for the Royal Army club, who earned a penalty kick late in the first half. Captain Mohamed Hrimat’s spot kick was saved by Ahly goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir but Bouriga followed up to finish from the rebound.

But that was as good as it got for the hosts, who failed to produce much going forward after halftime. The Egyptian champions fought back and controlled the second half in search of an equalizer.

And the moment of quality arrived in the 68th minute to level. Mohamed Hany’s pass found substitute Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane on the right wing and the Tunisian’s cross found Trezeguet at the far post, who bent over to produce a diving header past keeper Ahmed Reda Tagnouti.

The teams battled for the remainder of the match to a draw, keeping Al Ahly level with Young Africans at the top of Group B with four points each. The Cairo giants will next face Young Africans at home in late January after a long break from continental football. AS FAR, level with JS Kabylie on a point each, will travel to Algeria to face JSK in their next Group B match.