Roma too good for Ahli

BBC Sport
Saturday, 2 May 2009

Al Ahly have crashed out of the African Champions League after being beaten on the away goals rule by Nigeria's Kano Pillars. The third round second leg game in Cairo ended 2-2 to make it 3-3 on aggregate with Pillars advancing thanks to the goals they scored in Egypt.

Pillars took a two goal lead as they found the target twice in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Angolan striker Flavio then pulled a goal back for the defending champions with 15 minutes left in the game. Mohamed Barakat gave the Ahly fans some hope with an equaliser in the 86th minute but it proved too little too late and Kano Pillars qualify for the group stages.

By Omar AbdelAziz
Daily News Egypt - April 12, 2009

Ahly coach Manuel Jose set the record straight that he will not extend his deal with the African champions when it comes to an end next season. "I am delighted with my Ahly experience, but I will not renew my contract next year," the Portuguese said on Saturday. "I will have some rest before deciding on my future, but I will not work with any other team in Egypt. I also reject the idea of managing the Egypt national team." Jose, who has been enjoying a staggering second-stint with Ahly since 2003, expressed his gladness at working in Egypt throughout the past few years.

Roma Trounce Al-Ahli
07/08/2008 12:03
by Awenlimobor Sylvester
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=808593

Egyptian league champions Al Ahli were given a good lesson in football on Wednesday night at the International Stadium in Cairo by Italian side AS Roma, as they were whipped 3-0 by the visitors.

Mauro Esposito put the visitors ahead midway through the first half with a goal that the Al Ahli players and officials heavily protested. The Al Ahli players alleged that the ball had crossed the by-line before Cicinho crossed the ball that was converted by Esposito. Matteo Brighi increased the advantage of the visitors with 12 minutes left in open play. Brighi towered over his marker to head home Edgar Alvarez's cross.

A controversial penalty kick from David Pizarro sealed victory for Luciano Spalletti's men. Ahli defender Sayed Moawad brought down Alvarez inside the penalty area, and the referee had no option but to point to the spot. Pizarro quickly dispatched the resulting kick. Al Ahli had to play with 10 men for the last 20 minutes after midfielder Moataz Eto was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Al Ahli begin the defence of their Egyptian league title this weekend against newly promoted side Olympic.