Patient control in Borg El Arab

Al Ahly set the tone from the opening whistle at Borg El Arab Stadium, dominating possession against a well-organized Young Africans side that lined up in a compact 5-3-2 shape to limit space.

The visitors looked to threaten on the counter, creating a few isolated moments, but the Egyptian champions steadily imposed themselves, growing in confidence as the half progressed thanks to their control in midfield and vocal home support.

Trezeguet breaks the deadlock before halftime

Just when the first half seemed destined to end scoreless, Trezeguet delivered the breakthrough. Deep into stoppage time, Mohamed Hany whipped in a precise cross from the right, and the forward rose above his marker to head past Diarra for the 1-0.

It was a deserved reward for Al Ahly, who had shown patience despite lacking cutting edge for long stretches, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Second-half dominance seals the win

After the restart, Al Ahly maintained their intensity. With Emam Ashour and Zizo increasingly influential between the lines, the hosts kept pressing against a Young Africans team forced to push higher up the pitch.

The second goal summed up the home side’s superiority: a slick passing move involving Zizo, Emam Ashour and Trezeguet, who drove at the defense before finishing calmly into the far corner to make it 2-0 and all but settle the contest.

Defensive solidity and group leadership

Late on, Young Africans tried to respond with a higher press and long-range efforts, but they were denied by a confident Mustafa Shobeir and a well-drilled Al Ahly back line.

With this CAF Champions League victory, Al Ahly underline their title credentials and take a firm step forward in the group stage, showcasing balance, experience and efficiency when it mattered most. A win that reinforces their ambition to lift another continental crown.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube