Reigning champions Al Ahly extended their remarkable CAF Champions League unbeaten streak to 26 matches with a goalless draw against Orlando Pirates in Soweto on Saturday.
In sweltering 34°C (93°F) conditions and in front of a sell-out 40,000 crowd, the Egyptian giants displayed a defensive masterclass. Hussein El Shahat came closest to breaking the deadlock late on, but Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine pulled off a crucial save.
Al Ahly, African champions a record 12 times, last tasted defeat on South African soil 33 months ago against Mamelodi Sundowns. Under Swiss coach Marcel Koller, the Cairo Red Devils are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title.
Despite failing to score, Koller praised his side’s resilience but expressed mild disappointment at missing the chance to secure a first-ever win in South Africa.
The result leaves both Ahly and Pirates on four points in Group C, with Ahly ahead on goal difference. Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria sits third after a narrow 1-0 win over Stade Abidjan in the other group fixture.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 1-1 draw by FAR Rabat in Morocco, as they aim to secure top spot in Group B.
In Group A, Young Africans suffered a second straight defeat, losing 2-0 to Algerian pacesetters Mouloudia Alger. A resurgent Al Hilal of Sudan could claim the group lead depending on their Sunday fixture against TP Mazembe, set in Mauritania due to Sudan’s ongoing civil unrest.
Ahly remain firm favourites for CAF glory, but their path to the title promises no shortage of challenges.
