Photo Credit: Al Ahly SC
A highly anticipated CAF Champions League Group C clash between hosts Orlando Pirates and reigning African champions Al Ahly left both sets of supporters disappointed with a scoreless draw on Saturday in Johannesburg. The hot conditions in South Africa created a cautious approach from both teams who are tied atop Group C with four points each following the result.
There were few surprises in a first half that went as expected with Al Ahly attempting to play cautiously and maintain possession on a hot day in Johannesburg. Pirates created danger on a couple of occasions but Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and his defense were not troubled as the teams went into halftime scoreless.
Pirates continued to push after halftime but their attacks lacked imagination and the Ahly defense maintained their clean sheet. A dangerous curling strike from distance in the 62nd minute by Thalente Mbatha had El Shenawy scrambling but went wide for the best opportunity of the day.
Ahly brought on substitutes Percy Tau and Hussein El Shahat and the two combined for an opportunity in the 85th minute but El Shahat's hard shot was pushed away by Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine. Ahly's conservative strategy earned a point for the visitors from Egypt while Pirates displayed plenty of energy but lacked innovation, leaving the teams content to share the spoils.
Highlights
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