Al Ahly progressed to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals after defeating Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad 3-1 on Friday evening.
Ittihad rolled out the big guns in Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho, as Ahly featured South African Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba amongst others.
The African champions raced into the lead after 20 minutes as Hassan Kadesh conceded a penalty for a hand-ball in the area and left Ali Maaloul to step up and convert.
Ahly probed a second four minutes gone through a long-range drive from Kahraba following a teasing pass, but his shot was repelled by Abdullah Al Jadaani.
Benzema, who joined in the off-season after bringing a stellar career with Real Madrid to an end, first sight of goal came minutes to halftime when he opened up his body to drag narrowly wide.
The French superstar had a clear chance through a penalty but didn't capitalise after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) indicated Mohamed Abdelmonem used a hand in the six-yard box.
Ittihad made a double change ahead of the second half, as Ahmed Bamsaud replaced Zakaria Al Hawsawi and Madallah Alolayan entered in favour of Muhannad Shanqeeti.
The African giants extended the lead 12 minutes from the break when Hussein El Shahat grabbed control of Kahraba's assist and finished with composure.
Kahraba was in it again two minutes apart as he launched another telling ball for Emam Ashour to take aim and arrow into the net.
Ittihad attempted to pull one back courtesy of a decent strike from Benzema following Bamsaud's delivery, but he pulled well wide.
Ahly went down to ten players at the death when Anthony Modeste saw red for a matter of violent conduct on an opposing player.
Benzema did get his goal in the dying minutes after meeting a corner to fire into the top corner, but it inspire a comeback as Ahly reigned victorious.
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