Al Ahly beat Kampala Capital City Authority FC (KCCA) 4-3 at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Tuesday evening to secure their spot in the next round of the 2018 CAF Champions League as group winners.

The eight-time champions had to win in Egypt to make sure that they retain their spot atop Group A, and did just that in an enthralling clash against the Ugandan outfit for a favourable draw in the first round of knockout games.

Al Ahly are joined by Espérance de Tunis – who finished second in their group – TP Mazembe, ES Setif, Wydad Casablanca, Horoya, Etoile du Sahel and Primeiro de Agosto in quarterfinals.

Walid Azarou got the goal-scoring bonanza underway in the 23rd minute, but Lawrence Bukenya’s strike on the cusp of half-time left the game in the balance at the break as the Uganda’s flexed their muscles despite only playing for pride.

Salif Coulibaly put the Red Devils back in front, but Peter Magambo leveled matters once more before the hour mark.

Walid Azarou completed his brace in the 63rd minute before Salah Mohsen doubled the hosts lead to seemingly put the game to bed.

The visitors, though, were not ready to throw in the towel just yet as they chased an unlikely double over the Red Devils and Allan Okello’s goal in the 82nd minute made for a tense finish. But, despite pressing for the equalizer, Al Ahly held on for the win.