Ahli have managed to hold on for a goalless draw at Bizertin in the CAF Champions League round of 16 first leg. A solid defensive performance helped the holders keep a clean sheet in Bizerte, which makes them slight favorites to qualify ahead of their Tunisian opponents. The return leg takes place in two weeks in Cairo as the winner qualify for the group stage that includes eight teams. Ekrami saves Ahli boss Hossam Al-Badri dropped veteran defender Wael Gomaa to the bench, giving the nod to the inexperienced Saad Samir to partner Mohamed Naguib in defense. But the Reds had to thank goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami for a couple of fine saves either side of the interval, including a tight-angled volley from striker Marouen Troudi. The Egypt international goalie had to make another good stop to thwart Bizertin star man Mohamed Ali Mhadhebi after the break. Ahli survived a late scare when Larbi Jabeur put the ball into the net, before the goal was ruled out for a foul on Ekrami.
