Ahli failed to make use of their numerical advantage after being held to a 1-1 home draw by 10-man JS Kabylie, who qualified for the African Champions League semi final.

The Red Devils took the lead midway through the first half in front of a sell-out crowd at the 74,100-seat Cairo Stadium via a powerful header from Geddo.

Kabylie midfielder Saad Tedjar leveled the score few minutes later with a scorching shot.

The Algerians had forward Abdennour Cherif dismissed shortly before the break for simulation but Ahli could not break them down in the second half despite having an extra man on the pitch.

Emad Meteb, who is set to return to Ahli in January after opting not to honor his contract with Belgium’s Standard Liege, watched the game from the stands and probably wished to play to solve the team’s strike crisis.

His absence clearly affected the Cairo giants who struggled to threaten Kabylie.

Kabylie, who top Group B with 10 points from four games, ensured their progress to the semis.

Ahli lie second on six points, two ahead of Nigeria’s Heartland and three clear of bitter rivals and fellow Egyptian side Ismaili.

The six-time African champions will face Ismaili in Ismailia and Heartland in Cairo in their remaining two group-stage matches.

Early Control

Roared on by the enthusiastic crowd, Ahli took control from the very beginning.

The visitors, who defeated Ahli 1-0 in Algeria two weeks ago, defended in numbers and tried to hit their opponents on the break.