The Orlando Stadium was at full capacity as Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly played out a goalless draw in a tense Group C clash on Saturday in the second group stage match of the  CAF Champions League.

Both teams remain unbeaten, with four points each after two matches, setting up a fiercely competitive group as the competition progresses.

Despite the lack of goals, the nearly 40,000 fans at the game were entertained in the match that was a showcase of defensive discipline and missed opportunities.

Al Ahly, carrying a 16-match unbeaten away streak into the encounter, came close to breaking the deadlock in the dying minutes when Yahya Attiat Allah’s long-range strike forced a fine save from Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

Pirates, determined to make their home advantage count, started brightly, with Monnapule Saleng’s energy and creativity posing problems for Al Ahly’s defence.

Saleng came close with a left-footed effort in the 42nd minute, but his shot drifted just wide of the post.

The second half saw Al Ahly increase their attacking intent, with Percy Tau and Hussein El Shahat making impactful substitutions.

Shahat’s curling effort from inside the box in the 84th minute required another sharp save from Chaine.

Pirates had a golden opportunity to snatch a late winner in stoppage time, but Thabiso Sesane’s header sailed narrowly wide after a pinpoint cross from Kabelo Dlamini.

The result leaves both sides tied on four points, with Pirates occupying second place due to goal difference.

Al Ahly, sitting atop the group, will feel slightly more confident heading into their next match.

Meanwhile, attention now turns to the other Group C fixture between Stade d’Abidjan and CR Belouizdad later on Saturday.

Both sides are yet to register points, and the outcome could significantly influence the group’s dynamics.

With two matches down and four to go, Group C promises to deliver more drama as Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly maintain their push for knockout stage qualification.

Raja Casablanca’s Algerian player Yousri Bouzok has reportedly refused to take part in tonight’s CAF Champions League match against AS FAR due to his team’s jersey, which features Morocco’s full map including its southern provinces in Western Sahara.

Le 360 quoted “sources close to the club” as saying that Bouzok, a key player for the team, expressed concerns about possible repercussions from Algerian authorities upon his return home. This has led him to request to be excluded from the game, added the report.

The game is taking place today at 8 p.m. local time at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca. Raja Casablanca has yet to release the official squad list for the match.  

This incident is part of a broader pattern of controversies surrounding the inclusion of Morocco’s full map on club jerseys.

Earlier this year, a similar controversy emerged with RS Berkane’s jersey.  The incident occurred when Algeria denied entry to the team’s delegation after landing at the Houari Boumediene Airport for a game against USMA Alger.

Algerian security confiscated the team’s equipment, including the jerseys, and left them stranded at the airport for hours. The delegation ended up returning to Morocco after Algerian authorities refused to return their equipment for the game to take place. As a result, the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final was cancelled.

The second leg of the match, which was set to take place in Morocco, was also cancelled after USMA Alger players refused to participate in the game.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) affirmed the legitimacy of RS Berkane’s jersey and fined USMA $40,000 for refusing to participate in the two games.

-Morocco World News

Defending champions Al Ahly launched their quest for a third consecutive  CAF Champions League title with a resounding 4-2 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Stade d’Abidjan in Cairo on Tuesday.

The record title holders from Egypt dominated the first half, racing to a 3-1 lead, with Mahmoud Kahraba netting twice and Mohamed Magdi Kafsha adding another. 

Stade d’Abidjan managed a response through Kassoum Koné but was ultimately overrun by Al Ahly’s firepower.

A second-half strike by Kahraba secured the points despite a late goal from Roger Assalé for the visitors.

Pyramids FC Shine in Group D

Elsewhere, Egypt’s Pyramids FC lit up the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo with a scintillating 5-1 dismantling of Angola’s Sagrada Esperança. 

Ibrahim Adel was the star, contributing two goals, including a stunning opener in the 17th minute.

Fiston Mayele, Mohamed Hamdy, and Ahmed Atef also found the net, while Sagrada’s consolation came late via Cachí.

The dominant display underscores Pyramids’ ambitions to make a deep run in only their second group-stage campaign.

Goalless Stalemate in Pretoria

In Group B, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo debutants Maniema Union at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Despite dominating possession, the home side failed to convert several chances, including Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s strike against the crossbar.

Maniema’s resilient defence earned them a valuable point in their first group-stage appearance.

The action continues with Group B’s marquee Moroccan derby between Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat, while CR Belouizdad host Orlando Pirates in Group C.

Esperance face Djoliba in the final Group D fixture later tonight.

-CAF