Using LVC logic instead of AHCT
LVC inputs are 5V tolerant so they can be used as level shifters from 5V to 1.8-3.3V.

However power supply voltage is 1.65-3.6V so you can't power them from 5V. Although the absolute max rating for VCC is 6.5V... But even if you powered it from 5V and it didn't smoke, LVC (just like HC or AHC) has CMOS input thresholds, so with 5V VCC the 3V3 logic levels would not satisfy Vih properly.

So unfortunately the answer is no, AHCT was the correct choice for 3.3 to 5V translation due to input levels compatible with 3V3 logic...