CAIRO: Holders Al Ahli of Egypt became the first team to book a place in the African Champions League semi-finals after holding on for a 2-1 win over CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in Cairo on Saturday. The win took Al Ahli to 10 points at the top of the Group A standings and still left the Tunisians needing a single point to join them in the final four. It proved an emotive night for Al Ahli, playing their first game since the death of Egyptian international Mohamed Abdel Wahab on their training ground nine days ago. There were tears after Mohamed Aboutrika opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Angola international Flavio headed home a cross from Osama Hosni which allowed Al Ahli to double their lead 10 minutes later. Sfaxien reduced the deficit five minutes from time and the Tunisians almost snatched a draw in stoppage time. Sfaxien need just one point from their last Group A match at home to Asante Kotoko of Ghana next Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, Kotoko had kept themselves in contention with a 2-1 home win over JS Kabylie of Algeria, the bottom-placed team in the group. Kotoko were forced to come from behind after conceding a third minute goal but two strikes from Ghana international Nana Arhin Duah ensured the win. On Sunday, ASEC Abidjan of the Ivory Coast can make sure of top spot in Group B, and a semi-finals place, if they win at home to South Africa s Orlando Pirates. Reuters
