21.09.2014 13:24 h

Soliman stars as Ahly move closer to final

Egyptians Al-Ahly made a timely return to form with a 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, first-leg win at Cameroonians Coton Sport this weekend.

The Cairo 'Red Devils' had won just one of their previous five matches in the second-tier African club competition and scored a meagre three goals.

Diminutive attacking midfielder Walid Soliman was a fitting match-winner for Ahly, scoring the lone goal on 72 minutes at Stade Omnisports Roumde-Adja in north-western city Garoua.

Collecting a pass from Burkina Faso-born substitute Moussa Yedan, Soliman unleashed a left-foot shot that beat Cameroon reserve goalkeeper Loic Feudjou.

Livewire Soliman, a recent returnee to the starting line-up after a long injury absence, troubled Coton from the kick-off.

An acrobatic Feudjou save foiled Soliman in the opening minute and the Egyptian later failed to score when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Coton came close to breaking the deadlock just before Soliman struck -- Ivorian Kako Rostan narrowly failing to connect with a cross from 16-year-old Moussa Bana.

This was the fifth CAF match between the clubs and Coton have yet to win, losing twice and drawing three.

Ahly host the return match in Cairo next Sunday and look set to become the first Confederation Cup finalists from Egypt.