Al Ahly began their CAF Champions League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi's Aigle Noir in the first leg of the Round of 32 tie at Intwari Stadium in Bujumbura. The win came via an own goal in the 36th minute, providing a crucial away advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo. Football director Walid Salah Eldin hailed the result as a positive start for the new coaching staff.
Al Ahly dominated proceedings from the outset against Aigle Noir, pressing relentlessly despite the challenging away conditions in Burundi. The breakthrough arrived nine minutes before halftime when right-back Mohamed Hani delivered a powerful cross from inside the box, which Aigle Noir defender Nicolas inadvertently deflected into his own net for the 1-0 lead.
New head coach Jess Thorup fielded an unchanged lineup from recent matches, and the players displayed energized intensity throughout. However, the game saw an early substitution at halftime as striker Mohamed Sherif suffered a muscle injury just before the break and was replaced by Nejc Gradisar.
In the second half, Aigle Noir gained more possession and midfield presence but failed to threaten Al Ahly's defense significantly. Thorup introduced fresh legs with 15 minutes remaining, bringing on Aliou Dieng for Mohamed Ben Romdhane in the 75th minute, Taher Mohamed for Achraf Bencharki in the 65th minute, and later Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi and Ahmed Abdel-Kader for Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan and Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed in the 82nd minute. Abdel-Kader's effort from a left-wing cross was blocked by the hosts' defense.
Aigle Noir pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Al Ahly's solid backline, anchored by Mohamed El-Shenawy in goal, held firm to secure the clean sheet. The victory, achieved amid player fatigue from international duties, was described by Salah Eldin as 'well-deserved' and a 'crucial step' in the tournament.
'I congratulate the players and Al Ahly fans on this well-deserved win, achieved despite the fatigue many players are dealing with after their international commitments,' Salah Eldin said. He praised the quick chemistry under Thorup and the logistical support, including a private jet, thanking the club's board and the Egyptian embassy in Burundi.
The return leg is set for Cairo on October 25, with Al Ahly turning focus to their next Egyptian Premier League match against Ittihad of Alexandria.