Al Ahly hold hosts FAR Rabat to 1-1 draw in CAF Champions League

Al Ahly secured a 1-1 draw away to Morocco’s FAR Rabat in the second round of the CAF Champions League group stage at the Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah on Friday.

The Red Eagles are leading Group B with four points, ahead of Young Africans on goal difference, while Algeria’s JS Kabylie and FAR Rabat remain at the bottom with only one point after two games.

FAR Rabat, benefiting from home advantage, squandered several clear chances in the first half, but Al Ahly’s resolute defense stood firm to deny the hosts.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo nearly opened the scoring for Al Ahly just five minutes into the match with a powerful strike from outside the box, but his effort ricocheted off the left post.

Mohamed Sherif also came close in the 29th minute, sending a fierce shot just wide of the left post. Al Ahly’s attacking unit, which included Achraf Bencharki, Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, Zizo, and Sherif, looked dangerous throughout, dictating the tempo of the game.

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute after the referee ruled that Al Ahly midfielder Alio Dieng had handled the ball inside the box. Despite protests from the Al Ahly players, the decision stood.

FAR Rabat’s penalty taker saw his shot blocked by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier, but the rebound fell kindly to the hosts, who pounced to take the lead.

Following FAR Rabat’s goal, Al Ahly responded by dominating possession and pushing for an equalizer, but the referee blew for halftime after three minutes of added time.

In the second half, Al Ahly continued to control proceedings, despite the vocal pressure from the home crowd.

Danish coach Jess Thorup made an attacking change, bringing on Taher Mohamed in place of Sherif in the 58th minute, with the aim of adding more threat to the FAR Rabat defense.

Thorup further strengthened his side with substitutions, bringing on Mohamed Shokry, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, and Emam Ashour to help maintain balance and secure the draw.

Al Ahly’s persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Trezeguet equalized with a brilliant header from a precise cross by substitute Ben Romdhane, who picked him out from the right wing.

FAR Rabat pushed for a second goal but were thwarted by Al Ahly’s solid defense, which also launched several counter-attacks.

Zizo, Trezeguet, and Taher were all involved in dangerous breaks, but the hosts’ defense held firm to prevent further damage.