Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly couldn’t be separated in their CAF Champions League semi-final first leg, as the two continental heavyweights battled to a tense 0-0 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening.
In a match filled with tactical discipline and defensive solidity, both sides showed why they’re among Africa’s elite. Sundowns enjoyed more possession and territorial advantage but were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-organized Al Ahly defense. The visitors, meanwhile, posed a threat on the counter but also lacked the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.
With neither side able to gain the upper hand, the tie remains finely poised heading into the second leg in Cairo, where everything will be on the line for a place in the CAF Champions League final.
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The game started slowly, with both teams taking time to find rhythm. The hosts showed more intent early on, with Teboho Mokoena firing a shot over the bar in the 11th minute.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, found it difficult to penetrate Sundowns’ defensive lines and test goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, with their few attempts either off target or comfortably dealt with.
Emam Ashour’s effort on target midway through the first half was easily collected, while the visitors’ crosses lacked danger. Nejic Gradisar came closest for Ahly with a header that rattled the upright, but the sides went into halftime still locked at 0-0.
Sundowns maintained their dominance in possession after the break but continued to struggle in the final third.
Downs coach Miguel Cardoso introduced Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales in an attempt to unlock Ahly’s defense, while captain Themba Zwane made a welcome return from injury.
Al Ahly thought they had found the breakthrough in the 70th minute through Gradisar, but his effort was ruled offside. The Red Devils again had the ball in the net late on, but it was once more disallowed for offside.
In the end, neither team managed to find the decisive goal.
The two sides will meet again in the return leg at Cairo International Stadium on 25 April, with everything still to play for.