Goalless draw between Espérance and Al Ahly.
Espérance dominated possession but couldn’t score.
Al Ahly’s defense held firm against attacks.
Second leg in Cairo promises excitement.
The first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final ended in a goalless draw, with Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Al Ahly SC unable to break the deadlock on Saturday evening. This match, hosted in Rades, set the stage for what promises to be an intense return leg in Cairo next Saturday.
Espérance Dominate Possession but Struggle to Break Through
From the outset, Espérance Sportive de Tunis aimed to capitalize on home advantage. The four-time champions controlled the majority of the possession, pressing Al Ahly’s defense. However, the defending champions’ backline, disciplined and well-organized, thwarted Espérance’s attempts to find the net.
An early chance came for the hosts when Rodrigues Silver connected with a cross from Houssem Tka, only to see his header narrowly miss the goal. This set the tone for a match defined by near-misses and resilient defending.
Al Ahly’s Counter-Attack Threat
Al Ahly, known for their strategic counter-attacks, had their moments as well. Al Shahat, a constant threat, nearly scored with a powerful shot from distance just before halftime, giving Espérance goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche a scare. Despite Al Ahly’s limited possession, their quick transitions kept the hosts wary.
Second Half: Hosts Push Forward, Al Ahly Stand Firm
The second half saw Espérance intensify their efforts. Roger Aholou’s curling shot from outside the box went just over the bar, igniting hopes among the home fans. Espérance, buoyed by their supporters, continued to press, but Al Ahly’s defense, anchored by Mostafa Shobeir, remained unyielding.
Tactical Changes and Final Moments
In response to Espérance’s pressure, Al Ahly introduced their key playmaker, Afsha, whose presence revitalized their attack. A notable moment came just after the hour mark when Emam Abdelghany’s strike from distance nearly surprised Memmiche, highlighting Al Ahly’s potential to turn the tide at any moment.
As the clock wound down, Al Ahly’s experienced players like Percy Tau expertly managed possession, frustrating Espérance and securing a draw. This disciplined approach ensured that Al Ahly left Rades with their clean sheet intact.
Looking Ahead to Cairo
With the first leg ending 0-0, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion in Cairo. Both teams will be eager to seize the advantage and claim Africa’s premier club football trophy. Espérance will need to find a way to penetrate Al Ahly’s defense, while the defending champions will rely on their home advantage and tactical discipline to secure victory.
Match Details
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final – First Leg
Date: Saturday, 18 May 2024
Location: Rades, Tunisia
Score: Espérance Sportive de Tunis 0-0 Al Ahly SC
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final – Second Leg
Date: Saturday, 25 May 2024
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Fixture: Al Ahly SC vs Espérance Sportive de Tunis
As both teams prepare for the decisive second leg, fans around the continent and beyond eagerly anticipate an action-packed showdown in Cairo.
Key moments during the match
Espérance Sportive de Tunis controlled 65% of possession but failed to convert it into goals.
Al Ahly SC managed only 35% possession but created significant scoring opportunities through counter-attacks.
Rodrigues Silver had two shots on target, with his closest attempt narrowly missing the goal.
Al Shahat’s shot from distance was one of Al Ahly’s three attempts on target.
Espérance made 12 attempts at goal, with only four being on target, highlighting their offensive struggles.
Both teams committed a total of 18 fouls, showing the match’s intense and competitive nature.
