Percy Tau grabbed an assist on his first start in the CAF Champions League for Al Ahly, who registered their first win in Group A by defeating Al Merreikh on Saturday evening.
Result: Al Ahly 3-2 Al Merreikh
Date: 05 March 2022
Venue: Cairo International Stadium
Tau was back in the starting line-up after starting the midweek Egyptian Premier League game bench, as Luis Miquissone dropped out of the attack.
The Red Devils were eager to send a message after the defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend and they made the perfect start when Mohamed Sherif opened the scoring after just three minutes after being played in by Tau's lovely pass.
Sherif, who was the tournament's top scorer last season, doubled the lead in the 34th minute to put his side in a comfortable position.
Al Merreikh were no pushovers and managed to halve the deficit three minutes before the break courtesy of a strike from Tony Edjomariegwe.
Tau's evening came to an end just after the hour mark as he made way for Hussein El Shahat while Taher Mohamed replaced Amhed Radwan.
The goal gave the visitors renewed hope of a comeback heading into the second half and they got their reward in the 68th minute, with Elsamani Saadeldin firing home the equaliser.
The visitors' joy was short-lived though as Al Ahly restored their lead in the 76th minute courtesy of an own goal from Mustafa Karshoum.
That proved to be the final goal of the thrilling encounter as the defending champions get their first win in Group A while Al Merreikh suffer their first loss.
