Zanaco 0-0 Ahly | Match Video Review | CAF Champions League

Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry lamented his side’s “bad luck” in a 0-0 draw at Zambia’s Zanaco on Saturday but said he was confident his side would be able to reach the African Champions League last eight on the final day of the group stage next week.

The Red Devils, record winners of the Champions League with eight titles, wasted a plethora of goal-scoring chances in Lusaka to slip to third in Group D with eight points, one behind Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca and three adrift of leaders Zanaco with one match remaining.

Despite being third, Ahly have destiny in their own hands.

A victory over Cameroon’s Coton Sport, who have no points, in their last game will lift Ahly to the quarter finals regardless of the outcome of the other match between Wydad and Zanaco.

“We suffered from bad luck against Zanaco. That was the reason for missing out on a win,” El-Badry told reporters following the match.

“We played to win but luck was not on our side; we missed many goal-scoring chances.”

Ahly dominated the entire game but were let down by some poor finishing touches. Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi was denied by the post in the first half and substitute Walid Soliman was thwarted by the keeper with the goal at his mercy in the second for the visitors’ best chances.

A bumpy pitch also made it difficult for both sides to move the ball around smoothly.

“I’m satisfied with the performance and I commend my players for it,” El-Badry added.

“The final round will be difficult for all teams … but I’m confident that we will win and advance.”