The Men in White also gave veteran coach Henri Michel a winning start in the Arab World's premier club competition after they were held to a goalless draw against Mahalla in the Frenchman's local debut.

Mostafa Gaafar scored the winner in the 18th minute with a neat bicycle shot after a delicate header from substitute Amr Zaki.

Substitute Ibrahim Hazzazi was dismissed in the closing stages of the game for allegedly elbowing Tarek Al-Sayed.

The Cairo side, who started the game rooting Group A, are now on top with four points, level with Ahli Bordj with the Algerians still having one match in hand.

Ahli Jeddah and Qadsia of Kuwait are third and fourth respectively on three points each.

For more details please visit the tournament’s official website www.acl.tv