Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played to a cagey 0-0 draw in their CAF Champions League first-leg semifinal match played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
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The Brazilians may have extended their unbeaten run against the Red Eagles to eight matches, but the visitors will feel more satisfied with the result, having ensured that the tie is all square heading back to the Egyptian capital for the decisive leg next weekend.
Sundowns, though, can take comfort from the thought that only they can now benefit from the away goals rule, and that a South African side has already found themselves in the same situation against Egyptian opposition in CAF club competition this season (Stellenbosch FC against Zamalek in the previous round of the Confederation Cup) and still emerged triumphant.
Sundowns bossed the early proceedings in terms of possession and control of the game, but they did not manage a shot on target through the whole match, with their only notable effort coming from long-range from Teboho Mokoena, but his 11th minute drive flashed over the crossbar.
No breakthrough from either side as the game ends in a draw. 🤝#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/tAolHcrm4l
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 19, 2025
Al Ahly looked to use the space behind Sundowns’ fullbacks on their sporadic counter attacks, and they managed a couple of good crosses which resulted in headers on target from Taher Mohamed and Emam Ashour, but both were easily saved by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
In the final minute of regulation time in the first half the Red Eagles were inches away from claiming the lead, as Nejc Gradisar got on the end of Ashour’s cross and glanced an effort goal-wards, only for the ball to rebound off the post.
Al Ahly continued to look dangerous from out wide in the second half, while the Brazilians were unable to build their own attacking pressure, with Lucas Ribeiro and Peter Shalulile both smothered by defenders as soon as the ball went anywhere near them.
In response, the hosts sent on Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners just past the hour mark, and just under 10 minutes later Themba Zwane made his return from months on the sidelines, replacing Jayden Adams in midfield.
With a balanced first half, who will find the back of the net in the second? 👊#TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/yQNUR3HQrS
— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 19, 2025
Yet even those changes did not alter the flow of the game, as Sundowns were left frustrated in their attempts to break down Al Ahly’s defence, while the team in red gradually settled for the prospect of a stalemate and were happy to waste time whenever the opportunity arose. Ultimately the final whistle brought a 0-0 result.
The return match will be held at the Cairo International Stadium on the evening of Friday 25 April.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0
Al Ahly 0
Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Lebusa, Modiba (Tiwani 90+1’), Mokoena, Allende, Adams (Zwane 70’), Matthews (Sales 62’), Ribeiro, Shalulile (Rayners 62’)
Al Ahly: El Shenawy, Hany, Dari, Rabia, El Aash, Attia, Y. Ibrahim, Reda (Tawfik 89’), Gradisar (Bencharki 90’), Ashour, T. Mohamed