Egyptian giants, Al-Ahly. In a pulsating fixture in the semi-final of the African Champions League, Sunshine Stars of Nigeria came from behind three times to draw level with Egyptian giants, Al-Ahly. Al-Ahly appeared to be cruising, having opened up a comfortable two nil lead. Mohamed Nagy \'Gedo\' opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with a precise right foot shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area, before Hamdi doubled the lead in the 30th minute.
However, Sunshine Stars pulled a goal back just four minutes later, through Medrano Tamen in what was the first real chance for the hosts in a game which, up until then, had been completely dominated by the Egyptian champions.
However, once they had scored the Stars grew in confidence, and it was only thanks to a brilliant save from keeper, Sherif Ekramy, that Tamen wasn’t able to equalise for the home team.
Alaba Osawe came close too before the interval, with a header just wide, and they continued to pressure looking increasingly dangerous but it took until the 73rd minutes for the Nigerians to level. Mohamed Naguib committed a reckless challenge in the area, and Olurundare Dele made no mistake from the spot.
However, they barely had time to finish their celebrations before Al-Ahly went ahead yet again, as Gedo added his second of the game, almost directly from the kick-off.
With Al-Ahly supporters breathing a sigh of relief, praying they had finally done enough to secure the victory, Osasco Precious brings Sunshine Stars level with a superb curling free kick drew his team level once more.
However, the drama didn’t stop there as Al-Ahly defender missed a golden opportunity to win it for his team, somehow managing to head over the crossbar when presented with an open goal.
Yet, in spite of throwing away their lead in a game they felt they should have probably won, Al-Ahly will return to Egypt full of confidence of making the final. With home advantage in the second leg, and three away goals in their favour, the odds still remained stacked against Sunshine Stars.