Al Ahly SC crashed out of the CAF Champions League after a dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Espérance de Tunis in the second leg of their quarter final clash at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, Trybal News reports.
Having already lost 1-0 in the first leg in Tunisia, the Egyptian giants exited the competition 4-2 on aggregate, ending their run before the semi finals for the first time since 2019.
Al Ahly started the match with urgency, knowing they needed a response, and nearly found an early breakthrough when Emam Ashour headed just wide in the fifth minute. The pressure continued as Yasser Ibrahim also went close, but Esperance goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said made crucial saves to keep the hosts out.
The breakthrough finally came in the 10th minute when Mahmoud Trezeguet fired home from close range to give Al Ahly hope of a comeback. The hosts maintained control for much of the first half, with Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Marwan Attia both denied by an inspired Ben Said.
Esperance emerged stronger after the break and gradually grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Florian Danho struck from outside the box to level the score on the night.
The momentum shifted firmly in favour of the visitors, and they took the lead in the 78th minute after a foul in the area. Mohamed Tougai stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to put Esperance ahead.
Al Ahly responded by pushing forward, with coach Jess Thorup introducing attacking options including Marwan Othman and Hussein El Shahat. The changes had an immediate impact as Othman headed home in the 84th minute to make it 2-2 and briefly revive hopes inside the stadium.
However, the drama was not over. Deep into stoppage time, Esperance delivered the decisive blow when Hamza Jelassi rose highest to head in the winning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory on the night and confirming their place in the semi finals.
The result also marked Esperance’s first ever Champions League win over Al Ahly in Egypt and the first time the Cairo club have lost both legs of a knockout tie since 2014.
Al Ahly were not the only Egyptian side to exit the competition, as Pyramids FC were also eliminated earlier in the day following a 3-2 aggregate defeat to AS FAR.
Esperance, under new coach Patrice Beaumelle, now advance to the semi finals where they will face the winner of the tie between Mamelodi Sundowns and Stade Malien.
