Mohamed Abou-Treika notched home in the first-half as Ahli have edged closer to securing their place in the CAF Champions League semis following a 1-0 away win over ASEC Mimosas on Sunday. The Egypt international playmaker scored what proved to be the winner five minutes before the interval to give Ahli a precious win. Ahli's victory is the first for any Egyptian team over ASEC in Abidjan as the Red Devils are chasing an unprecedented third successive Champions League title. The Cairo giants are on top of Group B with six points after two matches, five ahead of second-placed ASEC before Tunisia's Esperance face Hilal of Sudan later on Sunday. Angolan winger Gilberto made his first competitive start since suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in September, while striker Emad Meteb missed the clash due to injury. Ahmed Adel surprisingly occupied the right-flank while Flavio Amado played as a lone striker, supported by Abou-Treika and energetic midfielder Mohamed Barakat.
In the first-half, ASEC couldn't break through Ahli's defense as they tried to send long-range shots which were not successful in bothering Ahli keeper Essam Al-Hadari. ASEC's Ali Diarra was lucky to escape a red card in the 22nd minute when he elbowed Adel while the latter was on his way clear on goal. The referee did not even award a free-kick to Ahli. Ahli had the first sight of goal through Flavio in the 38th minute after the Angolan striker latched onto Abou-Treika's flick on before hitting a right-footed first-timer from the edge of the area but it flew high over. The visitors stunned the home crowd five minutes before the break when Flavio brilliantly chested a long ball into the path of Abou-Treika inside the area, and the former Tersana man's low shot went past the motionless Mohamed Kabore. It was no difference in the second-period as ASEC dominated in terms of possession but couldn't impose any threat on Al-Hadari. Two minutes after re-start, Barakat raced down the left flank before providing a back pass to Abou-Treika, whose shot from inside the area went just over the bar.
