Essam Al Hadary was Ahly's hero in the Super Cup final

Egyptian side Ahly added another continental title to a long list of successes with a record-equalling third African Super Cup title on Sunday.

But Ahly needed penalties for a second successive year to overcome fellow north African opposition, beating Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel 5-4 in a post-match shootout.

The two sides had played out a dour goalless draw at the end of extra time in Addis Ababa.

Ahly goalkeeper Essam Al Hadary reproduced his heroics in cup final shootouts last year to save from Khaled Melliti and hand the trophy to his club.

Last year Al Hadary also made vital shootout saves as Ahly won the Super Cup over Morocco's FAR Rabat.

Zamalek's Record Champions League wins 1984, 1986, 1993, 1996 and 2002 Super Cup wins 1994, 1999 and 2004

The international goalkeeper was also the hero of the Nations Cup final between Egypt and the Ivory Coast last February.

Both Ahly and Etoile laboured on a bumpy pitch in the high altitude and between them produced only two shots on goal in two hours of languid football.

Emad Moteab's snap shot on the counter attack in the 38th minute for Champions League winners Ahly was the first real effort of the game.

Halfway through second half a speculative effort from Cape Verdian international Ja marked Etoile's first effort on goal, the shot dipping markedly but still going over the crossbar.

Ahly's third Super Cup triumph matches the record of their Egyptian compatriots Zamalek.

Ahly's Record Champions League wins 1982, 1987, 2001, 2005 and 2006 Super Cup wins 2002 2006 and 2007

It was also the 11th trophy for their Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, fast turning into the most successive manager in the Cairo club's history.

The African Super Cup is traditionally played at the home venue of the preceding year's Champions League winners but was moved to neutral Addis Ababa as part of the Confederation of African Football's 50th anniversary celebrations.