By Ahmad Gamal Ali.
Al Ahly started their CAF Champions League group stage journey with a goalless draw against Sudanese giants Al-Hilal.
The Red Devils were drawn in Group A alongside Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Merreikh and Al-Hilal.
Their opening game was against Al-Hilal who have always been formidable opponents, especially when playing at home.
Despite playing at home, the Sudanese side had to play in an empty house as CAF denied them fans attendance.
The game started with the Blue waves pressing for an early goal, but with no real threatening chances.
After around 15 minutes, Mosimane’s men started controlling the ball possession but it wasn’t fruitful either as both teams preferred to avoid risky plays.
The second half started exactly like the first one, with Al-Hilal players searching for an early goal and the guests being on the defensive side.
15 minutes into the second half, Pitso decided to bring on Mohamed Magdy Afsha for Ahmed Abdelkader. As a result of the substitution, the title-holders gained the upper hand in the midfield battle.
While Al Ahly successfully possessed the ball, not many chances were availed to them as the Blues were determined to avoid a home defeat.
In the injury time, substitute Afsha came close to snatching a valuable win but the post denied his remarkable shot, for the game to end 0-0.
Al Ahly are now second in Group A with one point behind South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns who successfully collected three points so far.
The Reds’ next clash will be against the group leaders. The game is taking place in Cairo, Egypt, on the 26th of this month.