Al Ahly held by Zanaco in Alexandria | CAF Champions League

Egyptian league holders Ahly failed to open their Champions League group-stage campaign with victory after being held to a goalless draw by Zambian side Zanaco at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium on Saturday.

A disappointing display saw Ahly struggle to mount threats despite dominating possession against their unfancied opponents, who also tried to hit the Red Devils on the break.

The absence of midfielder Hossam Ashour, due to family reasons, looked to have affected the rigidity of the Reds’ midfield – which comprised skipper Hossam Ghaly and Amr El-Sulaya.

Going forward, Ahly’s attackers hardly troubled Zanaco’s rearguard, with striker Soulaymane Coulibaly not enjoying his best of games, as Mido Gaber, Abdallah El-Said and Junior Ajayi failed to sparkle.

However, Coulibaly could have still snatched a precious win in stoppage time but had a close-range effort blocked by the keeper with the goal at his mercy.

With Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca beating Coton Sport 2-0 on Saturday, the Moroccans are now top of Group D.

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