Al Ahly held hosts Raja Casablanca 1-1 to qualify for the CAF Champions League semifinal 3-2 on aggregate on Friday.

The Egyptian side went into the quarterfinal second leg match at a packed Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca carrying a slender 2-1 first leg lead.

Soon such a lead evaporated as Casablanca put their noses in front.

Fabrice Ngoma scored for the hosts via a header to torch celebrations among the 40,000 Moroccan fans.

However, the holders should have scored an early equaliser but they went on to miss a penalty by Ali Maaloul.

VAR had awarded Hussein El Shahat a penalty after being fouled in the penalty box.

The Pitso Mosimane side scored the equalizer through Mohamed Abdelmonem with a powerful header minutes before half-time to level the scores.

Al Ahly will now meet ES Setif in the semi-finals with Mosimane chasing a third consecutive CAF Champions League title.

The other quarterfinal second leg game will take place at FNB Stadium in South Africa today Saturday between Petro de Luanda and Mamelodi Sundowns who are trailing 2-1 from the first leg.

Sundowns are strong favourites to reach the semifinal and date either Wydad Athletic or Belouizdad who are meeting in another quarterfinal second leg match on Sunday.