Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o scored twice to lead Barcelona to a crushing 4-0 friendly victory over Ahli at Cairo International Stadium in the African champions' centenary celebrations. Youngster Krkic Perez and Javier Saviola were also on the score sheet to help the Catalan giants secure an easy win. Ahli had to thank Egypt international keeper Essam Al-Hadari, whose string of saves ensured the defeat wouldn't turn out to be a disastrous one. The Cairo giants had a reputation of beating Europe's powerful teams in recent years but they couldn't match their opponents like they did against Real Madrid and AS Roma. Barcelona fielded a second-string line-up in the first-half while all Ahli starts took part with the exception of midfielder Mohamed Barakat, who was injured in the warm-up. Ahli had the first chance after eight minutes when Flavio's through pass released Emad Meteb but Brazilian right-back Sylvinho intercepted to clear the ball. Barcelona responded five minutes later after Mexican defender Rafael Marquez hit a low shot that was saved by Al-Hadari. The visitors opened the score line in the 17th minute when Saviola latched on to Marquez's flick on from Andres Iniesta's corner at the far post to head home from close range.
The Argentinean striker almost added the second in the 25th minute after he brilliantly exchanged the ball with Marquez inside the area before firing a shot that was denied by Al-Hadari. The Catalans doubled their lead moments later after youngster Perez ghosted behind Ahli's defense to receive Saviola's neat pass and slot at the near post. Meteb wasted a golden opportunity in the 36th minute after he went through on goal but his poor shot was denied by Spanish keeper Victor Valdes. All Barca's high-profile players were introduced in the second period, which witnessed a complete domination from the Spanish giants. Two minutes after re-start, Ronaldinho chipped the ball to Deco at the far post but the Portuguese midfielder's first-timer flew high over. A give-and-go between Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho in the 54th minute released the Argentinean prodigy, whose close-range shot was blocked by the in-form Al-Hadari. Cameroonian international Eto'o added the third in the 77th minute after Hassan Mostafa's terrible tackle slipped the ball into his path to slot home. He completed the rout deep into stoppage time when he was picked out unmarked by Messi's through pass inside the area before sending an ice-cool finish into the back of the net.
