Egyptian giants Ahly, Zamalek both beaten

CAIRO - Orlando Pirates shocked CAF Champions League title-holders Al-Ahly 3-0 in Egypt on Sunday to take the Group A leadership after two rounds.

Monday, August 05, 2013
Al Ahly playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika (C) attempting to go past Orlando Pirates defence on Sunday. Net photo

Group AAC Leopards 1 - 0     Zamalek  Al Ahly     0 - 3    Orlando PiratesCAIRO - Orlando Pirates shocked CAF Champions League title-holders Al-Ahly 3-0 in Egypt on Sunday to take the Group A leadership after two rounds.The South Africans inflicted a record African home loss on the seven-time champions through goals by Thandani Ntshumayelo, Andile Jali and Sifiso Myeni. Walid Soliman had an Ahly penalty saved when they trailed by one goal in El Gouna and Ahmed Abdul Zaher was sent off just before half-time.Zamalek also lost to complete a black day for Egyptian football with Leopards converting a first-half penalty to win 1-0 in Congo Brazzaville.Defender Mahmoud Fathallah was red carded after handling the ball and Ntela Kalema converted the penalty in western city Dolisie. Pirates and Leopards, who fought a goalless draw in Soweto two weeks ago, share first place with four points each.But a superior goal difference gives the South African club top place while Zamalek lie third and Ahly prop up the standings. It could get even worse for the Cairo sides as they are away in mid-August with Zamalek visiting Pirates and Ahly travelling to Leopards.Ahly took an unbeaten 23-match home record in the Champions League group stage since 2002 into the Pirates game."It was a bad defeat, but there were very difficult circumstances as our players were fasting and it was very hot, so that’s why we appeared out of form,” Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef.