Ahly Secures Goalless Draw Against TP Mazembe in CAF Champions League Semifinal

In an intense first leg of the CAF Champions League semifinals, Egyptian football powerhouse Al Ahly held TP Mazembe to a goalless draw in Lubumbashi this Saturday. Despite high expectations and immense pressure, neither side managed to break the deadlock, setting the stage for a decisive return leg in Cairo.

From the outset, Al Ahly, known as the Red Devils, imposed their game plan, aggressively pushing forward. The match saw an early opportunity for Al Ahly when Palestinian striker Wissem Abou Ali narrowly missed a golden chance just three minutes into the game, signaling the Egyptian team’s intent to dominate.

TP Mazembe, backed by their home crowd and the advantage of local conditions, responded vigorously, challenging Al Ahly’s defense throughout the match. The home team’s best chance came when striker Fily Traore tested Al Ahly's goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, with a powerful shot that was expertly saved.

In a strategic move early in the second half, Al Ahly’s coach, Marcel Koller, introduced South African forward Percy Tau in place of Moroccan winger Reda Slim, aiming to increase offensive pressure. Koller’s adjustments also saw the inclusion of key players such as Taher Mohamed Taher, Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi, and Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim to strengthen the attack.

Despite these efforts, a notable miss by substitute Mahmoud Kahraba, who failed to convert a clear opportunity in the closing minutes, left Al Ahly ruing missed chances. Meanwhile, TP Mazembe continued to press in the final stages, but Shobeir’s goalkeeping prowess kept the scoreline level, showcasing a masterclass in defensive resilience.

The action now shifts to Cairo for the second leg on Friday, where a crowd of 50,000 is expected to rally behind Al Ahly at the Cairo International Stadium. The upcoming match promises high stakes as it will determine which team advances to the final to face the winner between Esperance of Tunisia and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa. This fixture not only highlights the competitive spirit of the teams but also underscores the prestige and intensity of African club football’s premier competition.