Egypt’s Al Ahly crowned African champions

CAIRO - Egypt’s Al Ahly won an eighth African Champions League trophy when they beat Orlando Pirates of South Africa 2-0 in the second leg of the final in Cairo on Sunday. Ahly, who clinched the trophy last year for a seventh time, won 3-1 on aggregate.There were reports of some clashes between hundreds of Ahly supporters and Egypt police before kick-off, with security for the match also under the spotlight.Once the skirmishes were resolved it was the legendary Mohamed Aboutrika who opened the scoring in the 54th minute when he stabbed home from just outside the six-yard box.Ahmed Abdul Zaher doubled the Ahly lead in the 78th minute when unmarked inside the box he shot past the Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.The Egyptian champions were reduced to 10 men six minutes from time when defender Sherif Abdel Fadil was sent off for a foul on Daine Klate.Pirates, champions in 1995, put up a spirited fight but Ahly’s second goal seemed to end their hopes inside a packed Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo.The Red Devils’ of Cairo pick up a prize of 1.5 million dollars as champions. They will also represent Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco next month.

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Egypt’s Al Ahly crowned African champions