Ivica Olic struck in stoppage time to hand German giants Bayern Munich a 2-1 victory over a lively Ahly side in a friendly game in Qatari capital Doha on Saturday.
The Croatian striker made the most of a mistake from Ahly’s keeper Sherif Ekramy to notch home and prevent Egyptian champions Ahly, who put in a brave display, from securing a famous draw.
Olic put Bayern in front in the first half but evergreen midfielder Mohamed Barakat brought Ahly level few minutes after the restart.
Al Ahly produced some free-flowing football in the latter stages but were let down by Ekramy’s blunder just before the end.
The Red Devils (Al Ahly) won 2-1 in the previous meeting between both sides in 1977.
Brazilian striker Fabio Junior and veteran playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika were introduced in the second half as coach Manuel Jose sought to beef up Ahly’s attack.
Abou-Treika made an immediate impact, setting up Barakat for the equalizer on 50 minutes in a move reminiscent of the duo’s past effective combinations which helped Ahly claim a host of domestic and continental titles during the past seven years.
A defence-splitting pass from Abou-Treika released the mercurial Barakat, who held off Holger Badstuber to slot home with aplomb.
Al Ahly’s intricate passing game drew admiration from the crowd but Bayern still emerged the winners deep in stoppage time.
Ekramy fumbled a left-wing cross and Olic pounced on the rebound to fire home into the roof of the net.
Watch the Goals and highlights here:
Interview with Al Ahly’s coach after the game
Interview with Barakat
