Egyptian giants Ahly recovered from an opening defeat to secure an easy 2-0 victory over 10-man Al-Wahda of UAE on Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the Arab Championship semis.
The Red Devils produced a vivid attacking display amid little resistance from Al-Wahda, who played with 10 men for the last half an hour after Khalil Al Hammadi was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Midfielder Amr Barakat, who has made a few appearances since joining last January, scored his first goal for Ahly in the first half to put them ahead and summer arrival Islam Mohareb marked his debut with a goal late in the game to ensure the win.
Any other result would have practically ended Ahly's hopes of booking a last-four berth after they slumped to a surprising 1-0 defeat by Jordan's Al-Faisaly in their opening match on Saturday.
Al-Faisaly top the group with maximum six points from two matches after defeating Algeria's NA Hussein Dey, who have three points, 1-0 earlier in the day.
Ahly also have three points while Al-Wahda are eliminated after failing to bag any points.
In the last round, Ahly face NA Hussein Dey in a vital must-win clash for both sides.
The winners of each of the three groups will advance to the semis along with the best second-placed side.
Electrifying start
Ahly made an electrifying start, wasting several clear-cut chances in the first quarter of an hour.
Skipper Hossam Ghaly had a near-post header denied by the bar following a corner after nine minutes and Ahly could have gone ahead on other occasions had it not been for some poor finishing touches.
Winger Ahmed Hamoudi was Ahly's liveliest performer, wreaking havoc down the right and whipping in some dangerous low crosses.
The breakthrough finally came on 32 minutes when Barakat's beautiful curler from inside the area beat the poorly-positioned keeper at his near post.
Ahly remained in control in the second half but Al-Wahda were somewhat dangerous on the break.
The visitors spurned their best chance early in the second period when Mohamed Al Shehhi blasted a shot over the crossbar when well positioned to score.
But Al-Wahda barely mounted any threats following the dismissal of Al Hammadi.
Ahly's new arrival Islam Mohareb, who joined from Smouha, came off the bench and quickly left his mark with a goal, firing home into an empty net following a lay-off from Ghaly six minutes from time.
