The CAF Champions League first-leg semifinal between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly ended in a cagey 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Even if the Brazilians have now played eight games without losing to the Red Eagles, the visitors will be happier with the outcome because they have guaranteed that the match is even going into the final leg in the Egyptian capital the following weekend.
Though a South African team has already faced Egyptian opposition in CAF club competition this season (Stellenbosch FC against Zamalek in the previous round of the Confederation Cup) and still prevailed, Sundowns can find solace in the fact that only they can now benefit from the away goals rule.
Sundowns had possession and game control in the first half, but they failed to get a shot on goal the entire time.
Teboho Mokoena’s long-range attempt in the eleventh minute was their only noteworthy attempt, but it missed the crossbar.
During their intermittent counterattacks, Al Ahly attempted to exploit the space behind Sundowns’ fullbacks.
They were able to execute a few fine crosses that led to headers on goal from Taher Mohamed and Emam Ashour, but Sundowns custodian Ronwen Williams easily saved all of them.
Nejc Gradisar was on the end of Ashour’s cross and attempted a goal in the last minute of regulation time in the first half, but the ball bounced off the post.
The Red Eagles were only inches away from taking the lead.
While the Brazilians were unable to generate their own attacking pressure, with both Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile smothered by defenders as soon as the ball came anywhere near them, Al Ahly continued to look dangerous from out wide in the second half.
Just after the hour, the home team responded by bringing on Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners.
A little less than ten minutes later, Themba Zwane returned from months out, taking Jayden Adams’ place in midfield.
However, despite those adjustments, the game continued as Sundowns failed to penetrate Al Ahly’s defence, and the red-clad team eventually accepted the possibility of a draw and was content to squander time whenever it presented itself.
The final whistle ultimately signalled a score of 0-0. The Cairo International Stadium will host the rematch on Friday, April 25 in the evening.