CAF Champions League
Result: Bidvest Wits 0-0 Al Ahly (0-1 on aggregate)
Date: 18 March 2017
Venue: Bidvest Stadium
Bidvest Wits failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage, after playing out a 0-0 draw with Al Ahly in their second leg tie.
The Egyptians looked lively in the opening exchanges, although they struggled to carve out chances in the final third.
Gavin Hunt's charges took control of the match after the 20-minute mark, as their midfielders started seeing more the ball.
However, chances were hard to come by for both sides, particularly Wits, who needed to win in order to secure progression to the next round.
Phakamani Mahlambi and Gabadinho Mhango looked lively in the early stages, but looked frustrated as the half went on.
Wits nearly broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime, but Ekramy produced a fine save to deny Mhango, who also hit the upright moments later.
With Wits pushing for a goal, Gavin Hunt introduced the in-effective Phakamani Mahlambi with Elias Pelembe in the 55th minute.
The home side carved out a chance in the 69th minute as Pelembe teed up Eleazar Rodgers, who had his close range effort saved by Ekramy
Hunt opted for another change after 73 minutes, as Mhango made way for Mogakolodi Ngele as they pushed for an opening goal.
Ekramy came to Al Ahly's rescue in the 81st minute, as he was well-positioned to deal with Rodgers' towering header.
The Egyptians nearly put the tie beyond Wits, but they hit the upright through Gamal, who only had Moeneeb Josephs to beat,
Nonetheless, the score remained 0-0 at the full time whistle, as Al Ahly win the tie 1-0 on aggregate.
Here's how they lined up:
Wits: 16. Josephs. 2. Allie, 15. Mkhwanazi, 4. Khumalo, 13. Hlanti, 6. Scott, 7. Klate, 6. Monare, 17. Mhango, 27. Mahlambi, 28. Keene.
Al Ahly: 1. Ekramy, 30. Hany, 5. Hegazy, 20. Saad, 21. Maloul, 24. Fathy, 25. Ashour, 17. Solia, 19 Abdallah, 11. Waleed, 9. Amr.
