كتب : Amro Hassan
A return to form of playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika saw the Egyptian international score on 22 minutes and dish out two assists to Osama Hosni for Ahli's second and third.
Egypt defender Wael Gomaa was out of the game due to injury. Mohamed Samir started alongside Shadi Mohamed and Ahmed Al-Sayed at the back for Ahli.
In the absence of Mohamed Barakat, Ahmed Fathi played at right-back as Abou-Treika, Ahmed Belal and Flavio Amado formed an attacking trident.
Early Threat
The hosts could have opened the score line within seconds from the kick-off.
A nice pass from Abou-Treika released Gilberto on the left but Belal couldn’t make contact with the Angolan's low cross from point blank.
The Red Devils kept possession but it wasn’t before the 26th minute that they found the back of the net.
A free-kick from the edge of the Santos box was skilfully curled by Abou-Treika around the wall and into the net.
Ahli kept searching for a second but their superiority wasn’t transformed to any real chances.
Minutes before the interval, the hosts were forced to replace the injured Belal for Osama Hosni.
Double Salvo
The second half came and brought two early goals for Ahli with it. Substitute Hosni got on the end of two brilliant Abou-Treika passes to score on 47 and 50 minutes.
Ahli coach Manuel Jose opted to rest Flavio and bring Ahmed Ali in his place. The latter played on right-back with Ahmed Fathi switching to a central role.
Ahli totally dominated the game afterwards and they scored again midway through the second half but the effort was ruled out for offside.
In the 89th minute, Ashour was unlucky to see his powerful volley go over Santos' bar for the leg to end in a 3-0 win.