African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played out a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
In a much-anticipated encounter between South Africa’s reigning champions and Egypt’s record 14-time title holders, clear-cut chances were few and far between. However, the match offered plenty of tactical battles, with both teams cautiously probing for a psychological advantage ahead of the crucial second leg in Cairo.
Sundowns, aiming to make the most of their home ground, dominated early possession and threatened through Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. Yet Al Ahly’s defensive solidity, anchored by Mostafa Al Aash and Yasser Ibrahim, kept the home side from making a breakthrough.
The best opportunity of the first half fell to Al Ahly when Nejc Gradisar’s header, set up by Emam Ashour, rattled the post. Sundowns responded with attempts from Marcelo Allende and Peter Shalulile, but a decisive moment remained elusive.
In the second half, both managers—Miguel Cardoso for Sundowns and Marcel Koller for Al Ahly—turned to their benches in search of inspiration.
Sundowns introduced Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners, while Al Ahly brought on Achraf Bencharki and Akram Tawfik. Despite these changes, neither side could find the clinical edge needed, and goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Mohamed El Shenawy remained largely untested.
With the deadlock leaving the tie delicately balanced, all eyes now turn to the return leg at the Cairo International Stadium—a venue where Sundowns have historically struggled.
Unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, Al Ahly will be confident of progressing to the final and extending their record to a 15th continental title. For Sundowns, who last claimed the crown in 2016, the mission is clear: secure a rare and crucial victory in Cairo.
