CAIRO- Defending champions Ahly could not break down a stubborn Police Union defense to draw 0-0 in their Egyptian Premier League opener at Cairo Stadium on Friday. A star-studded Ahly side that featured the likes of Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Abou-Treika and new signing Geddo barely created clear-cut chances in a disappointing night for the Red Devils' faithful. A late onslaught by the hosts could not pay dividends as Police defended in numbers to share honors. Ahly made a decent start to their domestic season by claiming a 1-0 victory over Harras Hodoud in the Egyptian Super Cup but they lacked spark and imagination against Police. Although the Cairo giants boast several world class players, they struggled to threaten the brave visitors. Ahly coach Hossam Al-Badri had to introduce natural right-back Sherif Abdul-Fadil as a left-back due to the absence of Egyptian international Sayed Moawad, who missed the game through suspension. Abdul-Fadil was Ahly's liveliest performer in the first half despite playing out of position as he whipped in several pinpoint crosses which his teammates could not make the most of. Striker Mohamed Talaat, who scored in Ahli's 2-1 Champions League victory over Ismaili last month, once again played on his own upfront but he was repeatedly out-muscled by opposing defense. His below-par performance has justified the team's relentless efforts to keep hold of their former striker Emad Meteb, who joined Belgian side Standard Liege in the close season. Ahly, who are aiming to win a seventh consecutive league title, had two half-chances to break the deadlock in the first half. Police keeper Mohamed Khalaf blocked a powerful shot from Abdul-Fadil early in the game and Abou-Treika headed wide from inside the area in the 42nd minute. Talaat Youssef's team could have stunned Ahli just before the break when a vicious long-range free kick from Reda Al-Azab narrowly missed the target. Ahli laid siege to Police's area in the second period but could not find a way through a steadfast defense. Al-Badri introduced new Lebanese striker Mohamed Ghaddar and diminutive playmaker Afrotto in a bid to inject zeal but neither made a notable impact. Police also launched some dangerous counter attacks which could have handed them a shocking win.
