Al Ahly held goalless by Smouha as Taher Mohamed hits the post in Egyptian League

Al Ahly were held to a goalless draw by Smouha at half-time in their Egyptian League week-three meeting, with Taher Mohamed coming closest to breaking the deadlock after striking the right-hand post.

The match began with both sides struggling to create a clear opening. Smouha’s Hisham Hafez sent a cross into the Al Ahly penalty area, but it evaded everyone, while Taher Mohamed delivered for Al Ahly and Ahmed Abdelaal cleared before the ball could reach the forward.

Achraf Bencharki then attempted to dribble past Mohamed Ragab, but the ball went out for a throw-in and the danger ended. Al Ahly continued to dominate possession in midfield, exchanging short passes without troubling the Smouha goal.

Koka sent another cross into the box, but Mohamed El-Desouky intervened before it could reach Taher Mohamed. Ali Mahmoud later curled a delivery towards the area, although it went directly out for a goal kick.

After 15 minutes, the score remained 0-0.

Al Ahly defender Mohamed Hany won a free-kick after being fouled by Smouha’s Samir Fekri. Hany then tried to supply a cross into the penalty area, but it ran out of play for a goal kick.

Smouha enjoyed a spell of possession in the centre of the pitch, but failed to turn it into a meaningful attempt on target. Mohamed Farouk crossed for the visitors, only for Amr El-Gazzar to clear.

The referee stopped play for the players to take on water and refreshments and recover their energy. Play then resumed, with 30 minutes gone and neither side having scored.

Samadou Atidjiko launched a long throw into the Al Ahly penalty area, but the home defence dealt with it successfully. Koka also sent another cross into the box, although nobody was able to make contact.

Mohamed Hany produced a fine long pass towards Taher Mohamed, who tried to control the ball, but it ran through to the Smouha goalkeeper.

Marwan Attia attempted a long-range shot for Al Ahly, but it went wide of the goal. Zizo also tried his luck from outside the area, though his effort struck Smouha midfielder Amr El-Sisi.

Zizo came closer with a further attack when he headed towards goal following a cross into the area. His effort reached Taher Mohamed, whose shot hit the right post.

Bencharki then fired over from distance before Al Ahly created another opportunity shortly before the interval. Zizo delivered a cross towards Achraf Bencharki, whose header was met by a save from the Smouha goalkeeper.

The referee added three minutes at the end of the first half, but neither team found a breakthrough. The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, and the second half began with the match still finely balanced.