Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly played to a tense goalless draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Cairo later this month.
Mamelodi Sundowns Dominate Possession but Lack Cutting Edge
Sundowns entered the match with high hopes of securing an advantage on home soil, and from the outset, they controlled the tempo of the game. The Brazilians saw much more of the ball, stringing together neat passing moves and looking comfortable in possession.
However, despite their territorial dominance, the home side found it difficult to penetrate Al Ahly’s disciplined defensive structure. The Egyptians, true to their reputation as one of Africa’s most tactically astute outfits, held their shape and limited Sundowns to half chances for much of the evening.
The hosts’ frustration in the final third was a recurring theme, as clever build-up play often broke down once they approached the penalty area. For all their control, clear goal-scoring chances were few and far between.
A Cautious First Half with Limited Chances
The match began at a slow pace, with both teams adopting a cautious approach in the opening exchanges. Sundowns showed flashes of attacking intent early on, most notably when Teboho Mokoena sent a speculative long-range shot narrowly over the crossbar in the 11th minute.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, struggled to assert themselves offensively. Their attempts to break down Sundowns’ defensive line were largely unsuccessful, as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was rarely tested. Emam Ashour did manage a tame effort midway through the first half, but Williams collected comfortably.
The visitors’ best opportunity came when Nejic Gradisar rose to meet a cross, only to see his header crash against the upright. Despite this scare, Sundowns held firm, and the sides went into the halftime break deadlocked at 0-0.
Sundowns Ring the Changes in Search of a Breakthrough
The second half brought more of the same, as Sundowns continued to dictate possession but struggled to translate their control into meaningful chances.
Recognising the need for attacking impetus, head coach Miguel Cardoso turned to his substitutes bench. Iqraam Rayners and Arthur Sales were introduced in an attempt to stretch Al Ahly’s backline, while the return of captain Themba Zwane from injury offered another potential spark in the final third.
Despite these changes, the breakthrough remained elusive. Al Ahly’s defence — marshalled expertly throughout — refused to buckle under pressure, repelling cross after cross and limiting Sundowns to efforts from distance.
Al Ahly Threaten Late, But VAR and Offside Deny Them
As the match wore on, it was the visitors who began to show glimpses of danger on the counter-attack. Al Ahly thought they had found the lead in the 70th minute when Gradisar once again put the ball into the back of the net, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag for offside.
A similar scenario unfolded in the closing stages when Al Ahly had another goal disallowed for the same reason. While they created little for most of the match, the Egyptian champions’ late flurry served as a reminder of their quality and experience in big continental fixtures.
Everything to Play for in Cairo
When the final whistle blew, both sides were left with mixed feelings. Sundowns will likely rue their missed opportunity to take a lead to Egypt, especially after enjoying the lion’s share of possession. However, the clean sheet at home ensures they still have a strong platform for the second leg.
For Al Ahly, the result will be seen as a job well done defensively. The Red Devils’ ability to frustrate Sundowns away from home and create a few promising chances of their own bodes well for the return match on their turf. The two African giants will renew their rivalry at the Cairo International Stadium on April 25, with a spot in the CAF Champions League final hanging in the balance.
Related article: CAFCL PREVIEW: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Al Ahly – Predictions, Betting Tips, H2H
