Mamelodi Sundowns and reigning champions Al Ahly contested a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
The closely balanced encounter leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
Following their recent domestic loss to Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso made several changes to his starting lineup.
Aubrey Modiba, Mosa Lebusa, Jayden Adams, and Tashreeq Matthews were included in the team, with Divine Lunga, Lucas Suarez, Bathusi Aubaas, and Iqraam Rayners making way.
Early in the match, Bafana Bafana international Teboho Mokoena, who had scored a spectacular goal the previous weekend, tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area, but his attempt narrowly missed Mohamed El Shenawy's post.
The visitors, known as the Red Devils, also created scoring opportunities. Emam Ashour threatened the Sundowns goal with a run towards the area, forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with a curling shot. Williams was called into action again shortly after, reacting well to keep out a powerful header from Ashour.
Sundowns had a moment of concern just before halftime when a first-time header from Al Ahly's Nejc Gradisar beat Williams but struck the upright, denying the Egyptian side a crucial away goal.
In the second half, Masandawana found it difficult to penetrate a resolute Al Ahly defence, often being limited to attacking down the flanks with limited success.
SUNDOWNS’ CHANGES IN THE SECOND HALF
Coach Cardoso introduced substitutions to inject more attacking impetus. Arthur Sales replaced Peter Shalulile, while Iqraam Rayners came on for Tashreeq Matthews. Long-serving midfielder Themba Zwane, making his return to action after a significant injury layoff since October, was also brought on, with Jayden Adams making way.
Al Ahly believed they had found a late breakthrough when Gradisar finished neatly into the top corner from a cutback with around twenty minutes remaining, but the effort was disallowed for offside by the assistant referee.
Sundowns maintained a balanced approach in the closing stages, successfully neutralizing Al Ahly's attacking threats to ensure the match finished goalless. The semi-final is now set for a tense and decisive second leg in Cairo.
