A last-gasp goal from substitute Mohamed Abou-Treika led Ahli to a precious 2-1 home victory over Dynamos Harare in the CAF Champions League on Sunday. An own goal by Thomas Sweswe early in the game handed Ahli the initiative. Midfielder Lazarus Muhoni drew Dynamos level ten minutes from time to stun the home crowd. However, star playmaker Abou-Treika, who was introduced in the second half instead of the ineffective Emad Meteb, scored the invaluable winner deep into stoppage time. The result put Ahli in charge of Group A with seven points, three ahead of arch-rivals Zamalek. Zimbabwean side Dynamos lie third on three points, one ahead of Ivory Coast's ASEC Mimosas. Own Goal Ahli skipper Shadi Mohamed's goal-line clearance early in the game rescued Ahli from conceding a stunning opener. Dynamos' early scare was a result of a poor clearance by Ahli goalie Amir Abdul-Hamid. But Ahli managed to grab the lead after five minutes following a swift move. Midfielder Ahmed Hassan released Mohamed Barakat on the right flank before the mercurial midfielder sent a low cross which Sweswe converted into his own net. Ahli's shaky defense almost cost them in the 15th minute when a Dynamos forward robbed Shadi and went clear on goal.
He easily rounded Abdul-Hamid, who hastily rushed out of his goal, before squaring to the unmarked Edward Sadomba. But Wael Gomaa's last-minute interception cleared the danger as Ahli survived another Dynamos scare. Ahli had a chance to double their lead in the 19th minute when Flavio Amado received Emad Meteb's flick with a powerful volley but his effort was blocked by Dynamos keeper. Dynamos kept pushing forward in a bid to level the score. They took advantage of some gaps in Ahli's defense to launch several raids on Abdul-Hamid. Abdul-Hamid, who has become Ahli's first-choice guardian since the abrupt departure of Essam Al-Hadari, dived to block a fierce drive from Phillip Marufu in the 34th minute. Sluggish Display Ahli were too sluggish in a dull second half. Although they had the better of possession, they rarely threatened the visitors. Jose took off striker Meteb and introduced Abou-Treika, who is trying to regain fitness after a lengthy lay-off due to injury. But Ahli still lacked creativity. The Red Devils were made to pay for their toothless display in the 80th minute. The onrushing Muhoni capitalized on a dreadful marking to connect with a cross at the far post and head home. Abou-Treika came to Ahli's rescue four minutes into stoppage time when he converted a Flavio pass from close range despite being under pressure.
