North African sides Al Ahly and Pyramids travelled to South Africa in the first leg of the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League on Easter Saturday.
The Egyptians drew goalless against Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and will be confident ahead of the second leg next week.
Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Al Ahly
Defending champions Al Ahly in Pretoria at the Lucas Moripe’s Masterpieces Stadium secured an important draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
This fixture, in recent years, has become very competitive. The first leg was no exception, with both sides failing to find the back of the net after a gruelling 90 minutes of action.
Mamelodi Sundowns dominated both halves but could not be able to record even a single shot on target from a total of eight shots. Al Ahly had only 27 per cent possession but was the most ambitious of the two after recording 12 shots in total, with three on target.
The only big chance in the game was created by Al Ahly. Both coaches decided to keep their teams tight to avoid conceding in the first leg. A goal scored by the away side in the 70th minute was disallowed after VAR confirmed it to be offside.
With Lucas Ribeiro, Shalulile and Jayden Adams in the attack for Sundowns, the Brazilians were expected to score at least a goal, but Al Ahly’s defence, led by Rabia and Dari, was so organised and solid, hence, stopping the Brazilians.
Al Ahly now has a huge advantage ahead of the second leg. The Red Devils will depend on their fans to put the Masandawana on the sword in the return leg in Cairo.
Orlando Pirates 0-0 Pyramids
Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg faced a very good side in Pyramids. The South African side probably played their toughest opponent so far in their campaign.
Pyramids’ two goals scored by Fiston Mayele and Sodiq Awujoola in either half were ruled out for offside by VAR.
The Egyptians threatened the South Africans after being able to express themselves and answer the questions asked by the home side. With 7 shots in total and one on target, the Cairo-based club can’t complain and will be delighted heading into the second leg in Cairo.
Orlando Pirates will need to double their effort in Cairo in the return leg. The three wins recorded in North Africa in the competition so far by the Bucs, they have to repeat it, or else they will be in huge trouble.
The return legs will be played on Friday, 25th April in Egypt. The ties are well opened because of the away goal rule, but the Egyptian sides will have a slight advantage playing at home.
