Unimaginative Al-Ahly of Egypt had to rely on an own goal last weekend to stay in contention for a record third consecutive African Champions League title.

Unimaginative Al-Ahly of Egypt had to rely on an own goal last weekend to stay in contention for a record third consecutive African Champions League title.

Ahly edged Al-Ittihad of Libya 1-0 in Cairo after a goalless first leg to set up a rematch of the 2005 final against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia, which they won 3-0 on aggregate.

Etoile were more impressive than Ahly as they beat Al-Hilal of Sudan 3-1 in Sousse after trailing by one goal from the first leg of the other semifinal in the $3,5million (about R24 million) competition. Two diving headers by striker Amine Chermiti put Etoile Sahel in the final for the third time in four years.

Chermiti's goals are but two of a number of lovelies scored last weekend across the continent and highlights of these will be screened on the African Soccer Television show on SABC Sport's Laduma programme on Sunday.

While the top four clubs on the continent were engaged in the most prized possession in African football, league action was also going on in an attempt by teams to qualify for the next edition, which comes with winning the local championship. Lesotho Mountain Police Services were too strong for Lesotho Correctional Services, with a 2-0 win in the Top Four competition. - Sello Rabothata and Sapa-AFP