Egyptian champions Ahli put the African Super Cup in their trophy chest, reports Abeer Anwar African champions Ahli of Egypt won the African Super Cup on Friday when they defeated Morocco's Royal Armed Forces, FAR Rabat, on penalties in Cairo. The victory brought back memories of Egypt's triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations, which was also achieved two weeks earlier, again in Cairo International Stadium on penalties after extra-time had ended goalless. Goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari picked up where he left off, saving two kicks during the shoot-out, exactly the same heroics he showed against Cote d'Ivoire in the final of the ACN. In the ACN, Egypt won 4-2 on penalties; in the Super Cup, Ahli also won 4-2, with Islam El-Shater converting the winning spot-kick. Emad El-Nahhas, Osama Hosni and Shadi Mohamed also scored from the spot. El-Hadari, 33, wasted little time in doing his famous jig on the crossbar after the win. The final provided poor spectacle during normal time, and only really warmed up as extra-time neared its end. FAR lost a golden opportunity in the 87th minute when Shadi Mohamed cleared a ball from the line that had passed El-Hadari. Egypt international Emad Miteb could have won the game after 114 minutes but fired over the crossbar from close range when in front of goal. A crowd of 40,000 was present in Cairo Stadium for the clash between the 2005 African champions and last year's Confederation Cup winners from Morocco. Ahli started as overwhelming favourites against FAR although their players have had little rest after their excursions in the Nations Cup. Ahli provided the bulk of the national squad that won a record fifth African Cup title on 10 February in Cairo. Players like El-Hadari, Barakat, Gomaa, Emad Miteb and Mohamed Abou-Treika all played major roles in Egypt's success and now have won three continental title inside four months. Influential midfielder Mohamed Barakat did not play because of fatigue, with the BBC African Footballer of the Year having played in all Egypt's matches en route to their Nations Cup triumph. Mohamed Shawki is suffering a knee injury, defender Wael Gomaa is unfit and Angolan midfielder Gilberto is out for the rest of the season. Coach Manuel Jose said he was concerned about the team's focus in the wake of Egypt's Nations Cup celebrations. Ahli have now won their second Super Cup title having first won it 2002. Local rivals Zamalek have won the cup three times. In all, Ahli have won 97 Egyptian, Arab and African championships. The club celebrates its centenary next year. For the Moroccan military team, it was the first time they had played in the Super Cup and coach Mohamed Fakhir made a swift return to Cairo. Fakhir was in charge of Morocco's national team at the ACN when the Atlas Lions failed to score or get past the first round. Friday's game marked the 14th Super Cup match since it was first introduced by the Confederation of African Football in 1993.
