Reigning Egyptian league champions Al Ahly were held by Lebanese side Al Nejmeh 0-0 in Alexandria in the Arab Club Championship.
Al Ahly head coach Patrice Carteron made multiple changes to the line-up with the upcoming match in the CAF Champions League against Esperance in just four days. As expected, Al Ahly dominated the opening stages of the match with Marwan Mohsen having the first chance of the match in the 11th minute, but his header was off target.
The Egypt international had another chance five minutes later but his shot was well saved by Al Nejmeh’s keeper. Al Ahly continued to press for the opener but failed to capitalize on their chances in the first half.
The Lebanese side, however, were more dangerous in the opening minutes of the second half with their best chance coming in the 52nd minute. The Red Devils and Al Nejmeh continued to trade chances with the former more dangerous, but neither side was clinical enough to score the opening goal.
Elsewhere, Zamalek also were held to a scoreless drew in the first leg match against Qadsia on Saturday. Ismaily managed to beat Kuwait SC 2-0 on Sunday while Ittihad of Alexandria drew Esperance 1-1 last Thursday.
Al Ahly will face Al Nejmeh in the second leg in Lebanon on September 27. The Red Devils will next face Esperance in the fifth CAF Champions League group stage match on August 17 before returning to Egypt to face Wadi Degla in the Egyptian Premier League on August 21.
