Defending champions Ahly came within a whisker of securing their first African Champions League win in South Africa but eventually settled for a 1-1 away to Orlando Pirates in the first leg of the competition’s final on Saturday.
Veteran playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika put Ahly in front just before the quarter-hour mark with a brilliant free-kick and Ahly looked to be cruising to a precious win in Johannesburg as they restricted the hosts to some tame efforts throughout the match.
However, Thabo Matlaba notched home deep in stoppage time after a fine individual effort to keep the Pirates’ in contention for their second Champions League triumph, having won their solitary title in 1995.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ycqv-ZtCj0s[/youtube]Ekramy Save:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty92jI045TA[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCFA16Tk8-k[/youtube]
FULL MATCH REVIEW:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BomcOFHQp3I[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd6-JYE-EcY[/youtube]
