Defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt remained at the top of Group D on Friday following a 0-0 draw at CR Belouizdad in Algiers. Little threat was posed to either goal in a sleepy match and the result keeps Ahly on six points with only two points separating the group leaders from fourth placed Medeama SC of Ghana. CRB move into second place, level with Tanzania’s Young Africans ahead of a difficult duel in Dar es Salaam next Saturday.
The hosts looked more likely to score in a match that grew progressively wetter as rain began to fall. The first chance fell to CRB right back Houcine Benayada when a low cross from the left wing went through to the right back but his shot posed little threat to Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir as it went wide.
Al Ahly’s best opportunity fell to attacker Hussein El Shahat in the 21st minute. A corner kick was cleared out by the Belouzidad defense and a hopeful floated pass found the late run of El Shahat who had an open look but put his shot high and wide as CRB keeper Alexis Guendouz came out to close down the angle.
It was not meant to be for either side on the day. CRB striker Leonel Wamba was well set up by an attack down the left wing but Ahly central defender Mohamed Abdelmonem made a timely intervention towards the half hour mark. Ahly held out for a point away from home that does not put any distance between them and their Group D foes but they remain the favorites to progress.
Highlights of Friday’s match are below.
