Aboutrika ensures Ahly reach Champs League group stage

Substitute Mohamed Aboutrika scored a hat-trick to earn Egypt's Al Ahly a 3-1 win over Mali's Stade Malien on Monday.

The win in Cairo put Ahly into Tuesday's draw for the group phase of the African Champions League thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory.

With nine minutes left the six-time winners looked in trouble at 1-1 before an Aboutrika brace sealed the win.

Malien's Mohamed Koumare was red carded in between the late goals after a second caution.

Oumar Kida put Stade ahead after 17 minutes of the third round second leg tie, played behind closed doors at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium.

But Aboutrika turned things round for Ahly after coming on as a substitute for Mohamed Shawky just before half-time and then scoring the equaliser eight minutes into the second half.

The game had been postponed after Ahly were stranded in Bamako two weeks ago following their 1-0 loss in the first leg.

The six time winners were unable to leave for four days as rival army factions fought for control of the Mali capital.