The South African champions dominated possession early, with Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa testing Al Ahly’s defense, but struggled to convert chances into meaningful shots on target.
The visitors, meanwhile, relied on counterattacks and set-pieces, nearly breaking the deadlock just before halftime when Nejc Gradisar’s header cannoned off the post following Emam Ashour’s cross—the game’s clearest opportunity.
Substitutions by both coaches in the second half—Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners for Sundowns, Achraf Bencharki and Akram Tawfik for Al Ahly—failed to unlock the stalemate. Despite late drama, including a disallowed Al Ahly goal for offside and a flurry of fouls in stoppage time, neither side could capitalize, with goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Mohamed El Shenawy largely untested.
For Al Ahly, the draw represents a tactical victory. The Egyptian giants, unbeaten at home in continental competition since 2021, now hold the advantage heading into the second leg at Cairo International Stadium, where they’ve historically thrived.
Sundowns, meanwhile, face an uphill battle: they must secure their first-ever win in Cairo to advance, a feat they’ve yet to achieve in previous attempts.
Sundowns’ coach Miguel Cardoso acknowledged his team’s frustration, particularly their inability to register a shot on target despite controlling possession. “We lacked the final touch,” he admitted, emphasizing the need for sharper execution in Cairo.
Al Ahly’s Marcel Koller praised his side’s defensive resilience: “We limited a dangerous team to few chances. The result sets us up well for the return leg”.
With the away goals rule still in play, Sundowns retain hope, but Al Ahly’s pedigree in knockout football—boasting 12 Champions League titles—looms large. This stalemate sets the stage for a gripping second leg, where tactical nuance and clinical finishing will determine which African giant reaches the final.
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