Ahly, Pyramids on track for CAF Champions League final after draws in SA

JOHANNESBURG - The chances of an all-Egyptian CAF Champions League final rose on Saturday after Al Ahly and Pyramids forced 0-0 draws away to Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

Both title-holders Ahly and Pyramids had the ball in the net twice in the semi-final first legs, but three of the goal attempts were ruled offside and one was disallowed for handball.

Ahly and Pyramids host the return matches at Cairo stadiums on Friday and victories will set up a second all-Egyptian final after Ahly beat Zamalek five years ago.

Unlike Europe, where UEFA club finals are single matches, CAF club title deciders are played on a home-and-away basis.

While Sundowns in Pretoria and Pirates in Johannesburg had more of the ball, it was the Egyptian sides who looked more likely to score.

"Sundowns had more ball possession than us, but that was not important. What mattered was what was done with it," said Marcel Koller, the Swiss coach of Ahly.

"Our performance was good. We were excellently organised and created more chances than Sundowns."

Apart from disallowed goals by Slovenian Nejc Gradisar and Moroccan Achraf Bencherki, Ahly were denied by the woodwork just before half-time when a Gradisar header struck the post.

Sundowns' Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso said he had two objectives before the kick-off and achieved one.

"I obviously wanted Sundowns to build an aggregate lead and we failed to do that. However, it is also crucial not to concede at home because of the away-goal rule and we succeeded.

"We struggled against a packed defence as Ahly defended with a line of six, including four centre-backs. We are alive, however, and can finish the job in Cairo."

Appearing in the semi-finals for the first time, Pyramids impressed and thought they had taken the lead against Pirates late in each half.

VAR officials spotted Congolese Fiston Mayele was offside before firing past Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine on the stroke of half-time.

With five minutes of regular time remaining, Nigerian Sodiq Ougola had his celebrations at pushing the ball into the net cut short when replays revealed he used his arm.

Ahly are seeking a 13th Champions League title and a historic third in a row. Pirates and Sundowns have both won the premier African club competition once.