Defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt moved closer to the final of the 2025 CAF Champions League after securing positive results in the first leg of the semi-final on Saturday. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe record African champions frustrated Mamelodi Sundowns to a barren draw at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, leaving them with a lighter task of getting the job done in Cairo.Masandawana were largely expected to capitalise on home advantage and secure a convincing win, but the visitors proved equal to the challenge as they held on the pressure to ensure their fate is in their hands.The home side dominated possession early on and looked to assert themselves with efforts from Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro Costa. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8867607##However, they struggled to break down a disciplined Al Ahly defence marshalled by Mostafa Al Aash and Yasser Ibrahim.Al Ahly came closest to scoring just before half-time when Nejc Gradisar saw his header crash off the post after being set up by Emam Ashour. Sundowns responded with efforts from Marcelo Allende and Peter Shalulile, but neither side could find the cutting edge in the final third.Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper opens up on Rising Stars exclusionSubstitutions in the second half saw both coaches—Miguel Cardoso for Sundowns and Marcel Koller for Al Ahly—try to tilt the balance in their favour. Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners were introduced for the hosts, while Achraf Bencharki and Akram Tawfik came on for the visitors.But the breakthrough never arrived, with both goalkeepers—Ronwen Williams and Mohamed El Shenawy—largely untested despite moments of attacking promise.Kenya Police head coach speaks on title chances after loss to UlinziThe draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of next weekend’s return leg at the Cairo International Stadium, a venue where Sundowns have traditionally struggled.Al Ahly, unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, will now fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown.For Sundowns, who last lifted the trophy in 2016, the goalless first leg means they must do what they have failed to do in previous visits to Cairo—win.Gor Mahia’s title hopes dented by Sofapaka’s last gasp goalA win of any kind will see Ahly sail to the final, boosting their chances of retaining the title.Ahly kicked off their title defence in Nairobi, where they edged record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 3-0 in both legs to assure themselves a place in the group stages.
