Gunners make history, become the first Zimbabwean team to beat six time champions Al Ahly in 27 yearsAl-Ahly are easily the most decorated club in Africa with a record six African Champions League titles to their belt. And,crucially they had not lost to a Zimbabwean side since their first meeting with a Zimbabwean team 27 years ago. The best result that a Zimbabwean team has managed against the former African champions was a draw with Highlanders achieving that feat when they drew 0-0 against them at Barbourfields Stadium in 2007.
Al Ahly had been dominant on all the eight occasions they had played Zimbabwean teams before. Dynamos have played the Red Devils as Al Ahly are affectionately known by their passionate fans four times and all matches ended in defeat for the Harare giants.
On the three other occasions Bosso have met Al Ahly they lost all matches. But at the weekend the former African champions came unstuck against a Gunners side that is just in their maiden African Champions League.
Former Dynamos striker Norman Maroto was the hero for the Zimbabwean side after he scored the only of the match that helped to separate the two teams at the end of the match.
Maroto who also finished as second joint top goal scorer in the race for the Golden Boot Award last season struck the priceless goal on 22 minutes and coach Darlington Dodo punched the air in delight after the match.
“I am happy with the guys performance. They played according to instructions and if they show this attitude in the second leg away from home we will qualify for the second round.They are not invincible,”he enthused.
Gunners now need a draw of any margin to qualify for the second round of the tournament in two weeks time.
Post published in: Football