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Al-Ahly’s bid for a record-extending ninth Caf Champions League crown remains alive and they now meet Algerian giants ES Setif in the semifinals

Continental heavyweights Al-Ahly notched up the biggest win of this season’s Caf Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 demolition of Horoya in Saturday’s second leg match in Cairo.

Turning up the heat on Horoya, who made them sweat all afternoon to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Conakry a week earlier, Al-Ahly made a big statement of intent for a ninth Champions League title.

But they will now have to first deal with ES Setif in the semis, after the Algerians sent packing defending champions Wydad Casablanca who interestingly beat Al-Ahly in last season’s final.

Marauding in their execution of duty on Saturday, Al-Ahly did not look like a side missing a number of key injured players.

Horoya were initially stubborn in the face of a relentless attacking Al-Ahly who had to wait for the 32nd minute to finally make a breakthrough.

Walid Soliman broke the deadlock for Al-Ahly, before providing assists for Islam Mohareb and substitute Salah Mohsen as the hosts sat comfortably on top of the situation and dominated possession.

Horoya’s Senegalese World Cup goalkeeper Khadim Ndiaye was partly responsible for Mohareb’s goal, reacting slow to avert danger.

Al-Ahly completed the rout in stoppage time through defender Ahmed Fathy who was fed by Moroccan international Walid Azarou.

With three North African teams in the Champions League semis now, the final will feature a side from this region for a ninth straight season.

 

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