Reigning champions Al-Ahly of Egypt have taking a major step toward reaching the African Champions League for the third time in a row after a comprehensive 4-0 win over ES Setif of Algeria 4-0 in the first leg of the competition’s semifinals.
At Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Al-Ahly went into a 1-0 lead on 30 minutes through South African forward Percy Tau, and only four minutes later got a major boost when ES Setif midfielder Amir Karaoui received a red card.
The second half proved a procession for the Egyptian giants with Taher Mohamed adding the second goal after 54 minutes, with Mohamed Sherif (72) and Tau (90) wrapping up a comfortable evening for the home team.
In the other semifinal first leg, Wydad Casablanca edged closer to the final with a 3-1 away win against Angolan outfit Petro de Luanda.
The Moroccan team took a 3-0 lead through an early own goal and efforts from Yahya Jabrane in first-half injury time and Guy Kamboleke on 68 minutes.
The home team managed to pull back one goal in the 81st minute but the Moroccan giants are now heavy favorites to progress to the final.
