Percy Tau returned to action as Al Ahly and TP Mazembe played to a goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final.
CAF Champions League
Result: TP Mazembe 0-0 Al Ahly
Date: 20 April 2024
Venue: Stade du TP Mazembe
South Africa international Percy Tau was back in the squad but was only named on the bench, having last featured for the team in the quarter-final first leg against Simba SC.
This was the first-ever knockout meeting between the two sides in the competition, with their last competitive clash coming in 2012 when Mazembe defeated Al Ahly in Lubumbashi.
Clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the early stages, although Mazembe did carve out a chance after 32 minutes when Zemanga's corner found Likonza, who sent his header wide of the mark.
The visitors, meanwhile, caught some criticism for how they approached the clash with Simba in the previous round but coach Marcel Koller defended their strategy as they advanced in the end.
Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller responded with a double change at the start of the second half, with Tau making his return in place of Reda Slim while Ahmed Koka made way for Mahmoud Metwaly.
It was a special milestone for Tau, who came on for his 100th appearance for the Egyptian giants.
Tau looked to make an impact in the second period when he did well to pick out Mohamed Magdy with nine minutes remaining, but the Egyptian attacker failed to put his strike on target.
That proved to be the final clear-cut opening for the visitors, as the encounter ended all square in Lubumbashi.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
