South Africa international Percy Tau scored a brace and assisted as Al Ahly claimed a healthy 4-0 win over a 10-man ES Setif in the first leg of the Caf Champions League semi-final staged in Cairo on Saturday night.
Taher Mohamed and Mohamed Sharif were also on the score sheet to help the defending champions get a massive win over the Algerians.
The Club of the Century had to tinker with their squad owing to the injuries to key duo Amr El-Sulya and Mohamed Abdelmonem. However, they started the match brightly and could have taken a lead in the 24th minute when Ahmed Abdelkader curled a beautiful ball past the custodian, only to be denied by the goalkeeper.
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It mattered little as six minutes later, the Bafana Bafana striker gave the home team a reason to celebrate.
The 27-year-old headed home from close range from an excellent cross by Abdelkader to justify his inclusion in the starting line-up.
It got worse for the Black One in the 35th minute - midfielder Amir Karaoui received his marching orders when his reckless challenge caught Hussein El-Shahat. The referee had to consult the VAR before sending the player off the field of play.
The second goal for the hosts came in the 54th minute courtesy of Mohamed who headed in from close range after the defenders failed to clear a dangerous ball in the area.
Tau was involved again in the 67th minute, this time around finding Sherif in a dangerous area. The latter composed himself before chipping the ball past the goalkeeper for the team's third strike.
Al Ahly, who beat South African charges Kaizer Chiefs in last year's final to successfully defend the crown, were not done yet.
With a minute to go, an excellent move ended with the ball on Mohamed Hany who did not hesitate to find Tau. The striker tapped home to ensure Al Ahly are in a prime position to make it to the final for a third year running.
The second leg of the tie will be played on Saturday, May 8 at the 1945 Stadium.