Nigerian outsiders Kano Pillars caused a major continental upset by eliminating holders Ahli from the CAF Champions League round of 16, following a 2-2 draw in Cairo on Saturday. Pillars, who only managed a 1-1 home draw in the first leg, went through to the quarter-finals on the away goals rule. Ahli will now have to settle for a place in the CAF Confederation Cup. A hectic second half saw the visitors snatch an unexpected two-goal lead through Victor Namo and Rabiu Mohamed, before Flavio Amado and Mohamed Barakat leveled the score, but to no avail. Early Chances Manuel Jose started with Mohamed Abou-Treika on the bench as Barakat and Ahmed Hassan played behind sole striker Flavio. Ahli made a rampant start to the first half, helped by their visitors' wide-open defense. Pillars keeper Joel Theophilus made an astounding double-save to deny Hassan and Barakat in the third minute, before the latter's second attempt was cleared off the line. The hosts sustained their pressure as Hassan missed a point-blank chance in the 16th minute, following Barakat's precise cross. Pillars redeemed themselves after the early Ahli inroads and at the half-hour mark, the Red Devils began to feel the danger. A 25-yard rifle by Shagari Mohamed forced a great save from Ramzi Saleh, before Moses Ogaga was denied by the post a few minutes later. Ahli responded shortly after as Moataz Eno's long-range effort went inches wide of Theophilus' right post.
Stunning Start, Late Revival Jose introduced Abou-Treika for Hossam Ashour at half time, in an attempt to shore up the frontline, but the Portuguese's plans were shattered by the Nigerians. Four minutes after the interval, Pillars stunned Ahli with a goal from Namo, who scored his side's only goal in Kaduna a fortnight ago. Namo hit an empty net after Saleh had blocked an initial effort from Hillary Chukwu, amid some slack defending from the Egyptian champions. Ahli committed men forward in search for a way out of their adversity, but Pillars hit again on the counter. Midfielder Rabiu concluded a terrific counter-attack move by lobbing an out-of-position Saleh in the 67th minute. The shocking scoreline forced Jose to try more attacking options. First-leg hero Hani Al-Egeizi replaced defender Sayed Moawad and Gilberto came in for Eno. In the 75th minute, Gilberto's corner was met by compatriot Flavio, who headed in a trade-mark Ahli goal, giving Jose's team a lifeline. Amid the overwhelming pressure, the equalizer came as late as the 86th minute when Flavio threaded a slick pass to Barakat, who slotted home with a low drive. Five minutes of injury time were not enough for the six-time African champions to deny the debutants from claiming a sensational berth in the group stage. Watch the match's goals
