Ahly given Champions League bye

Egyptian giants Al Ahly are through to the third round of the African Champions League without kicking a ball.

This is because their Eritrean opponents Al-Tahrir pulled out of the competition.

According to the President of the Eritrean Football Association, Testfaye Gebreyessus, Al Tahrir pulled out because of an internal problem at the club.

"The club say they are unable to continue in the competition due to an internal problem," Gebreyessus told BBC Sport.

"And this is the information we passed on to Caf. The club didn't specify what the problem was."

Under Caf regulations, Al-Tahrir could be fined US$1500 for pulling out of the African Champions league.

"The club is aware that they could be fined, but we'll wait and see what Caf will say," Gebreyessus said.

Al Ahly have won the African Champions League a record five times.

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