Al Ahly clinch top spot after stalemate with FAR Rabat

Al Ahly secured top spot in CAF Champions League Group B on Sunday after a 0-0 draw against Morocco’s FAR Rabat at Cairo International Stadium.

The result leaves the Egyptian giants at the summit with 10 points, one ahead of second-placed FAR Rabat.

Both sides had already done enough to book their places in the quarter-finals ahead of the final group stage fixture.

The Red Eagles dominated much of the encounter and will rue a string of missed opportunities, particularly during a one-sided first half. Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan was the primary culprit for the hosts.

He saw a powerful strike blocked by a desperate Rabat defense in the ninth minute before later failing to convert a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti.

Al Ahly’s midfield engine room of Marwan Attiya and Aliou Dieng also tested the Moroccan backline.

Dieng’s side-footed effort from distance lacked the placement to beat Tagnaouti, who gathered comfortably.

Winger Taher Mohamed Taher proved a constant threat, nearly breaking the deadlock after a high-press turnover, but his subsequent left-footed shot cleared the crossbar.

Taher later turned provider with a low cross for Ben Ramadan, whose goal-bound effort was again deflected wide for a corner.

FAR Rabat offered little in the way of offensive ambition, instead prioritizing a compact defensive shape that successfully frustrated the home side throughout the second half to ensure they head into the knockout rounds.