Ahly holds stubborn Mazembe to nil-all CAF champions League semis tie in Lubumbashi

Egyptian giants Ahly managed to secure a goalless away draw against TP Mazembe of DR Congo in Lubumbashi on Saturday, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals.

The Red Devils started the game applying high pressure, coming close to taking an early lead when Palestinian striker Wissem Abou Ali missed an easy scoring chance inside the area just three minutes into the match.

TP Mazembe, taking advantage of their home ground and passionate fans, tried to secure a lead.

However, Ahly’s goalkeeper delivered a superb performance, thwarting all their efforts.

Mostafa Shobeir pulled off a great save before the break when TP Mazembe striker Fily Traore unleashed a brilliant strike from inside the area.

At the beginning of the second half, Ahly coach Marcel Koller made two substitutions, bringing on South African forward Percy Tau to replace Moroccan winger Reda Slim, in an attempt to put pressure on the foes.

The Swiss coach also called upon talented players to bolster the frontline, including Taher Mohamed Taher, Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdi, and Mahmoud “Kahraba” Abdel-Moneim.

Substitute Mahmoud Kahraba missed an easy scoring chance just five minutes before the final whistle, as he sent the ball from inside the box, only for TP Mazembe’s defense to clear the area.

TP Mazembe exerted pressure on Ahly’s defense towards the end of the game, but Shobeir was up to the task, denying every attempt and ensuring a goalless draw between the two sides.

The second leg of the game will be held in Cairo on Friday, with an expected attendance of 50,000 supporters.

This crucial match will determine the team that advances to the final to face the winner of the game between Esperance of Tunisia and Mamelodi Sundowns FC of South Africa.