Egyptian giants Al Ahly struck at the death through Ahmed Raouf to secure a historic place at the group phase of the Orange CAF Confederation Cup.
Moroccan campaigners, Difaa Hassani El Jadida were on the path to victory thanks to second half strikes from Ahmed Chagou and Gabon-import Johan Lengoualama, only for Raouf to douse their hopes with a stoppage time goal.
Ahly, record winners of the premier continental club championship with eight triumphs, carried a lone goal win into the return encounter but advanced on the away goal rule after the tie ended 2-2 on aggregate.
The Moroccans were cheered on by a packed crowd at the 10,000-capacity Mohamed Abdi Stadium in El Jadida, a port city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco.
The deadlock was finally broken on 62 minutes through Chagou from the spot after Ahmed Shedid felled Mustapha Flissat in the vital area.
On 78 minutes, Lengoualama increased the tally for the hosts tapping in from close range, but his joy was cut short when he was sent off after a second yellow card for taking off his shirt whilst celebrating the goal.
Ahly made the most of the five minutes of added-on time with Raouf connecting in from a Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ pass to stun the home crowd.
Elsewhere in the port city of Sapele, Nigeria’s continental club championship dreams came to a stop after torchbearers Bayelsa United slump to a lone goal defeat to visiting Sewe Sport of Cote d’Ivoire.
Christian Kouam scored the only goal on 89 minutes, ensuring Sewe Sport passage into the next round 2-0 on aggregate.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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