Reigning champions Ahly moved closer to a place in the African Champions League quarters after securing a 3-1 victory over Sudan's Al-Merreikh in Cairo on Friday.
Winger Percy Tau gave Ahly a 19th-minute lead but Al-Merreikh gave them some a nerve-jangling minute after Ramadan Agab netted an equalizer on the hour mark.
In the other Group A fixture pitting the two sides against each other early this month, Al-Merreikh came from two goals down to level the score at 2-2 before conceding a late goal to lose 3-2.
This time around, Ahly quickly killed off their hopes, with Mohamed Sherif restoring the Cairo giants' lead and substitute Ahmed Abdel-Kader ensuring the win in the space of two minutes.
Ahly lie second in the group with seven points, three behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who face Sudan's Al-Hilal (four points) in the other group match on Saturday. Al-Merreikh lie at the bottom on four points.
Record nine-time winners Ahly will advance to the last eight if they beat Al-Hilal in their final group-stage match next month.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
