South African forward Percy Tau racked up two goals and two assists as Al Ahly defeated 10-man ES Setif 4-0 at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semifinal on Saturday night.
Tau both opened and closed the scoring, and set up goals for Taher Mohamed and Mohamed Sherif, as PitsoMosimane’s Red Devils put one foot in the final of the premier continental competition and moved closer to a third successive African crown.
The Black Eagles, meanwhile, were hamstrung by a sending off for Amir Karaoui and will have a mountain to claim in the return game in Algeria on Saturday if they are to bring themselves back into contention.
Ahly claimed the lead on the half-hour mark when Mohamed provided a sumptuous in-swinger from the left flank to pick out Tau, who scored with a downward header past Setif goalkeeper SofianaKhedairia.
Five minutes later Setif were reduced to 10 men when Amir Karaoui was sent off for a stamp on the ankles of Hussein El Shahat. Referee BamlakTessemaWeyesa initially only brandished a yellow card, but upon a VAR review he rescinded the caution and opted for a full dismissal.
The Red Devils doubled the lead nine minutes into the second half, with Tau and Mohamed swapping roles: the South African striker’s low shot deflected off a defender and looped up to be the perfect assist for Mohamed to run in and head home from close range for 2-0.
A third goal arrived in the 72nd minute, with substitute Mohamed Sherif running onto a through ball from Tau before chipping beyond Khedairia.
And Tau completed his masterful display with a second goal in the final minute of regulation time, easily tapping home from close range after a fine set-up play from Luis Miquissone and Mohamed Hany.
Earlier, Wydad Casablanca defeated Petro de Luanda 3-1 in the other semifinal game played at the 11 November Stadium in Talatona, Angola.
The Red Castle capitalised on the space afforded to them to take a two-goal lead into the break and Guy Mbenza put the result beyond doubt with a third in the second half.
Job gave the Tricolores a glimmer of hope with a consolation goal late on, but WalidRegragui’s side are in control of their destiny after scoring three away goals. –Backpage
