ES Tunis, Al Ahly finish first leg of CAF Champions League final with goalless draw

ES Tunis, having ousted Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals, found themselves unable to break through the defence of the record-holding champions, Al Ahly. 

The match, held in a packed stadium in Tunis, saw both teams struggle to find the back of the net despite several opportunities.

Within the first five minutes, the home team had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Rodrigo Rodrigues' close-range header, however, missed the target, much to the disappointment of the local fans.

Al Ahly faced an early setback when Ali Maaloul was forced to leave the pitch due to injury just seven minutes into the game. He was replaced by Karim Fouad, who stepped into the intense atmosphere of the final.

The visitors registered their first shot on target at the 24-minute mark. A powerful attempt by Hussein El Shahat was expertly saved by ES Tunis goalkeeper Amanaliah Memmiche, who was having a standout game.

As the first half neared its end, ES Tunis came close again. A free-kick in the 41st minute by Ghaylene Chaalali narrowly missed the mark, sailing just over the crossbar.

The second half began with another promising chance for ES Tunis. A well-placed free-kick was flicked on at the near post, but the final touch at the far post failed to convert, leaving the scoreline unchanged.

Despite the continuous efforts from both sides, the match concluded with no goals, as ES Tunis maintained their impressive defensive record, securing their ninth consecutive clean sheet in the competition.

The outcome sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Cairo next week, where both teams will aim to clinch the coveted CAF Champions League title.