The title holders went to the lockers room with a one-goal lead but a dismal performance after the break allowed ASEC to score twice and revive their hopes of qualification.

"(In the first period) we played very well and scored a good goal, but the second half was a cartoon," Jose told BBC Sport in Abidjan after Sunday's game.

"I am very upset with my players. In the final, we must be the real Ahli and not the cartoon we were in the second half.

"If Asec had scored a third goal, we would have gone out, I'm sure of that."

Ahli's 2-0 win in the first leg in Cairo two weeks ago meant ASEC should have doubled their tally to oust the Egyptians.

Despite conceding twice, keeper Essam Al-Hadari put on a show of confidence and blocked several opportunities created at the expense of Ahli's static back three.

Jose, though, still sees his side as favorites for the title should they manage to finish off Tunisia's Sfaxien in the first leg in Cairo late in October.

"I consider us favorites because we have a lot of experience in this competition," The Portuguese manager said.

"The most important thing is to score two or three goals in Cairo. If we can do that, we can win."

Ahli were drawn with Sfaxien in the group stage of this season's tournament, losing in Tunisia 1-0 and winning 2-1 at home.

If Ahli clinched their second Champions League trophy in a row, it will be their fifth title in history, tying the record currently held by their Cairo arch-rivals Zamalek.