Al Hilal and Al Ahly played out a goalless draw in Omdurman on Friday night, in their Group A of the CAF Champions League.
Defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns in Durban in their campaign opener, the Sudanese were desperate for the full points on their ground of Al Hilal Stadium, while Al Ahly were set on a confidence boost after scooping bronze in Club World Cup.
Al Hilal were taking the game to Al Ahly in the opening exchanges but it took them up until the 24th minute to test goalkeeper Alo Lofti, who parried away Yasir Mozamil’s strike from outside the box.
Joao Mota’s charges carved open Red Devils’ defence six minutes later after Ibrahim Mustapha went through on goal on the right side of the box and played a square pass that was a little too strong for the unmarked Eid Mugadam.
Pitso Mosimane’s men had a chance on a counter-attack just before the half-time break after Ahmed Abdel-Kader went through on goal but his cut-back was greatly intercepted by Mohamed Ouattara.
Al Ahly searched towards the breakthrough ten minutes into the second half after Ali Maaloul’s cross found Taher Mohamed’s , who went off target from close range.
On the hour mark some nice build up play by the away side saw Aliou Dieng in a bit of space outside the box but he struck it very well but could only find the side netting.
Ten minutes later, Gerald Phiri had space to carry the ball up the pitch before finding Ibrahim Mustapha out wide and the winger cut inside and shot with his left foot, but his effort was tame and easily saved by Ali Lofti
A draw was looking increasingly likely, although Al Ahly were continuing to pose a threat. Al Hilal were looking dangerous on the counter since the introduction David Orumi, who was showing great speed and energy.
How they lined up:
Al-Hilal: Ali Abu-Eshrein, Faris Abdallah, Mohamed Ouattara (Hussein Alnour 74), Mohamed Saeed, Salaheldin Adil, Walieldin Khidir, Gerald Phiri, Ibrahim Mustapha, Abdul Ajagon, Eid Mugadam (Mwafag Siddig 88), Yasir Mozamil (David Orumi 72)
Ahly: Ali Lotfi, Mohamed Hani, Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, Yasser Ibrahim, Ali Maaloul, Hamdi Fathi, Aliou Dieng, Amr El-Sulaya, Ahmed Abdel-Kader (Magdi Afsha 62), Taher Mohamed Taher (Hussein El-Shahat 67), Mohamed Sherif (Hossam Hassan 83)
