Egypt’s Zamalek and Al-Merrikh of Sudan have still yet to score a goal through two matches in the 2022-23 CAF Champions League group stage after the Group D foes played to a 0-0 draw on Friday at the Benina Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. Both teams provided energetic performances but lacked the quality to make a breakthrough, leaving both teams with only a point to show from their opening two Group D matches.
With group favorites Espérance and CR Belouizdad still occupying the top two spots ahead of their clash on Saturday, it was a missed opportunity for Zamalek and Merrikh to claim valuable points. Merrikh, forced to host their group stage matches in Libya, came out looking for three points and came close to opening the scoring inside twenty minutes with Brazilian players Sérgio Raphael and Paulo Sérgio failing to convert chances.
Zamalek, weakened by injuries and out of form, played their way into the match but continued to lack finishing. Struggling forward Seifeddine Jaziri had an excellent look in the 32nd minute after a giveaway by Merrikh outside their own penalty area, but fired his effort way over the bar following a slick setup from Seif Farouk.
Both goalkeepers came up with strong saves to keep the match scoreless after halftime. Merrikh’s Mohamed Mustafa parried away a curling shot from distance in the 50th minute and Zamalek’s Mohamed Awad came up with a massive save from Ramadan Agab’s strong scissor kick effort following a 78th minute long throw-in. It was a frustrating match for both teams in the end with plenty of effort but an unsatisfactory result.
Highlights are below.
