Egyptian giants Al Ahly will take a slender 2-1 lead over holders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco into next weekend’s second leg of African Champions League final after giving up a late goal in Sunday’s first leg in Cairo.

South African international Percy Tau headed Al Ahly into the lead on the stroke of half time and Mahmoud Kahraba doubled the score in the 59th minute to put the home side into a strong position.

Both goals were set up by Hussein El Shahat, who provided decisive passes to find in the clear at the back past and fed Kahraba for a close-in finish.

But Wydad substitute Saifeddine Bouhra pulled one back in the 86th minute for what might turn out to be a vital away goal.

Wydad had also struck the woodwork through fullback Yahya Attiat-Allah in the second half and forced several key saves out of Al Ahly’s third choice goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, thrust into the starting line-up because of an injury crisis at the club.

This year the Champions League final returned to a two-legged, home-and-away contest after the previous three editions were being decided by a single match.

Last year Wydad beat Al Ahly 2-0 in the final which was controversially hosted in Casablanca.

Al Ahly have won a record 10 previous Champions League titles while Wydad are aiming for a fourth.

Photo by Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix