Al-Ahly and Raja secure draws in Champions League at South Africa

Reigning African champions Al-Ahly maintained their position atop Group C in the CAF Champions League with a hard-fought goalless draw against Orlando Pirates in Johannesburg on Saturday, December 7, 2024.

Both teams now sit with four points at the top of the group, which also includes Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade Abidjan, who are set to face off in a later match.

The first half saw a cautious approach from both sides, with few chances on goal.

Orlando’s Relibelie Mafokeng came closest, his long-range effort in the 34th minute deflecting off Marwan Attia before being turned away by Al-Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.

Mafokeng’s strike in the 42nd minute also narrowly missed its mark.

The second half brought more action. Orlando’s Evidence Makouba shot just wide in the 54th minute, while Al-Ahly responded minutes later with a chance for Moroccan Reda Slim, whose effort was saved by Orlando goalkeeper Sifo Kane.

Another opportunity fell to Al-Ahly’s Rami Rabia from a corner kick, but Kane was once again up to the task.

Despite tactical substitutions by Al-Ahly coach Marcel Koller, including the introduction of Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” and Percy Tau, the Egyptian side was unable to break the deadlock.

Late in the match, Hussein Al-Shahat came close to scoring with a powerful strike, but Kane produced a stunning save to deny the visitors a winning goal.

In Group B action, Morocco’s Raja Casablanca managed a 1-1 draw against DR Congo’s Union Maniema.

Younes Al-Najjari gave Raja an early lead in the 17th minute, but Joseph Bakasso equalized for Maniema in the 79th minute.

Raja, who lost their opening match to local rivals Royal Army, secured their first point of the group stage.

Union Maniema now have two points from consecutive draws, while Royal Army leads the group with three points after one match.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, with one point from their opening draw, face Royal Army later on Saturday.

These results set the stage for an increasingly competitive group stage as the tournament progresses.