Al-Ahly’s dreams of a domestic double went into flames after Smouha beat them 2-1 in the Egyptian Cup semi-final on Tuesday in Cairo.
A first half brace from talented forward, Ahmed Hammoudi put the Alexandria-based club on the path of victory whilst the ‘Red Devils’ hope of coming back was substitute Emad Moteab’s consolatory goal from the spot in the dying embers.
Ahly, which clinched the Egyptian League title last week, were undone by a well-composed Smouha side, which had earlier held them to a barren draw in the league decider.
With the Ahly defence leaking at the start, Hammoudi made amends for earlier misses with the opener on 25 minutes blasting home after Hicham Fathallah squared him up.
On 34 minutes, Hammoudi doubled the lead with an acute shot that left Ahly goalie Sherif Ekramy with no option.
Meteab reduced the deficit for Ahly on 80 minutes from the spot but Smouha held on to reach their first ever Egyptian Cup final where they are scheduled to meet holders Zamalek, who beat Wadi Degla 5-4 on penalties, on Saturday, 19 July 2014 in Aswan.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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