Defender Mohamed Hany rifled in a first-time shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Esteban Andrada in front of 9,396 fans at the Al Nahyan Stadium in the Emirati capital.

The Monterrey goalkeeper pushed away a low cross from Ali Maaloul which went directly into the path of Hany who made no mistake after 53 minutes.

Al Ahly advance to the final four despite missing several key players at the Africa Cup of Nations, six of whom are on the Egyptian squad set to play in tomorrow's final against Senegal.

Brazilian team Palmeiras await them in the semi-final as they qualify directly due to their 2-1 Copa Libertadores win in November.

Monterrey, last season's CONCACAF Champions League winners, is coached by former Egypt manager Javier Aguirre and will take on the losers of Al Hilal and Al Jazira.

The Saudi Arabian and Emirati teams are set to meet at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

The winner of that fixture will meet UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea in the other semi-final on February 9.

Al Hilal won the Asian Champions League title while Al Jazira qualified as winners of the United Arab Emirates Pro League.

Al Jazira beat AS Pirae of French Polynesia 4-1 in the opening match of the tournament on Thursday (February 3).