The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final between Ghana’s Dreams FC and Egypt’s dominant Zamalek ended in a goalless stalemate in Cairo on Sunday, despite Zamalek’s superiority.

Although the White Knights had more opportunities in Cairo, they were unable to outplay their well-prepared opponents in the latter third.

Jose Gomes, the Portuguese coach, will be worried with his team’s carelessness before their return on Sunday in Kumasi, where Dreams’ goal on the road could be crucial.

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Before the first half’s halfway mark, Ahmed Hamdi, Mostafa Shalaby, and Shikabala all came dangerously close to ending the scoreless draw

Zamalek exerted a great deal of early pressure. Dreams goalie Solomon Agbasi had to be on his toes to repel efforts from Travis Mutyaba and Shikabala as Zamalek’s goal-line squandering persisted.

The excellent Hossam Abdelmaguid did a great job blocking John Antwi’s thunderous strike as the visitors began to get some momentum.

At halftime, Benin international Samson Akinyoola took Shalaby’s place, but Zamalek’s frustrations grew as the home team was unable to create clear-cut opportunities.

The offside flag frequently saved Dreams, first Shikabala forcing an astute save from Agbasi after Akinyoola pulled a strike wide.

Ibrahima Ndiaye had one more chance to rattle the crossbar in the closing moments, but Zamalek was eventually unable to break through the resolute Ghanaian defence.

If Dreams can shut out Zamalek in Kumasi the following weekend, they will fancy their chances of making it to the final on away goals.