VAR Drama and Missed Chances as Al Ahly Earn Crucial Draw in South Africa

Africa 19 April 2025 at 11:56

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Al Ahly earned hard fought 0 - 0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon in 1st leg of the CAF Champions League semi final preserving their hopes of reaching the final for 3rd consecutive year.

Despite dominant possession by Sundowns, the red devils showed tactical discipline and created the better scoring chances including 2 disallowed goals؛ one for Slovenian forward Nejc Gradisar & another late on from Achraf Bencharki.

VAR Controversy & Missed Chances

Al Ahly felt hard done by after Gradisar’s 70 minute strike was ruled out for offside due to Ashraf Dari’s position in the buildup. Minutes later, a strong penalty appeal for handball following Taher Mohamed Taher’s header was waved away by referee Omar Artan.

In stoppage time Bencharki thought he'd netted the winner, only to be denied again for offside after latching onto long ball from Dari.

Gradisar'd earlier come close to scoring in the first half with powerful header crashing off the post from pinpoint cross by Emam Ashour.

Tactical Battle and Defensive Solidity

Credit goes to Marcel Koller’s game plan which successfully neutralized Sundowns' attacking threats. Al Ahly defended deep and struck on the counter, frustrating the hosts who rarely tested Mohamed El Shenawy in goal.

This was the first clean sheet for Al Ahly away to Sundowns, positive milestone for the record 12 time african champions especially considering their previous struggles in Pretoria including historic 5 - 0 defeat in 2019.

Decisive 2nd Leg in Cairo

The return leg will be played next friday at Cairo International Stadium where capacity crowd of 80000 fans's expected to turn out.

Al Ahly will need win at home to book their place in the final while Sundowns, winless in their last 7 meetings against the egyptians must break the deadlock away from home.