Defending champions Al Ahly began the CAF Champions League group stages with a goalless draw against Al Hilal on Friday afternoon.
CAF Champions League
Result: Al Hilal Omdurman 0-0 Al Ahly
Date: 18 February 2022
Venue: Al-Hilal Stadium
The Red Devils were unchanged from their thumping win over Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal Riyadh in the FIFA Club World, as Mohamed Sherif led the attack, with Percy Tau still injured, while former PSL stars Abdul Ajagun and Gerald Phiri Junior were retained by the Blue Wave.
The hosts had a bright start, as Yasir Mozamil came close to giving them the lead in the seventh minute with a strike in the box from a cross that was smothered by goalkeeper Aly Lotfy.
Mosimane's charges were absorbing the pressure, containing Al Hilal but they were struggling to carve out chances on counter-attacks, with opposite shot-stopper Ali Achrine not having much to do.
The Sudanese giants continued to pressurise Al Ahly in the closing phase of the first stanza and Mohamed Ouattara had a big chance to break the deadlock just before the half-time after a loose ball from a defensive error in the six-yard box but Lofty came out quickly to avert danger.
The Red Devils had a better ball retention in the early stages of the second stanza but they were still cautious and lacked the urgency in the final third.
Mosimane made a tactical change on the hour-mark, as midfielder Mohamed Magdi Kafsha replaced defender Ahmed Abdelkader and further crowded the midfield six minutes later, as Hussein El Shahat came on for Taher Mohamed.
The game was on the edge in the closing stages and Magdi Kafsha came close to netting the winner for Al Ahly in stoppage time with a low curling strike after cutting inside the box that came off the inside of the post and the sides got one point apiece in Group A, although Al Hilal have played an extra game.
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