Egyptian champions Ahli drew 0-0 with Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko in the African Champions League group A clash played in Obuasi on Sunday. The draw leaves Kotoko on top of the group with four points with Ahli in second on goal difference, while other group contenders JS Kabylie and Club Sfaxien to play later today. The hosts pushed early on and in the 3rd minute Osei Kwame stormed his way through the Ahli area and fired a tight angled shot which was tipped over the bar by Essam Al-Hadari. The Egyptian's first attacking effort came in the 12th minute after Wael Gomaa headed down a left sided corner to Osama Hosni's path, but the free couldn't connect with the loose ball. Asante posed another threat in the 39th minute as Edmund Owusu-Ansah's exchange of the ball on the edge of the area released him through with Al-Hadari before the Egypt keeper intercepted the ball bravely. The Ghanaians almost scored before the end of the half but Aziz Ansah's header from Nana Duah's left wing cross was brilliantly saved by Al-Hadari. After the interval, Ahli coach Manuel Jose brought on Ahmed Sedik in an attempt to increase his attacking options, and the substitute had a great opportunity to put his team ahead in the 68th minute after an Ahli counter released him on goal, but instead of passing to either Hosni or Flavio Amado, the winger fired a low shot well saved by the Kotoko keeper. Kotoko showed danger attacking from both flanks, and in the 85th minute Kwame Darko ran past Tarek Al-Saied and Shadi Mohamed but his dangerous low cross went harmlessly wide. Flavio could have scored in the 91st minute after Hosni, who turned provider this time, flicked his header to Flavio in the box, but the Angolan fired his volley wide. One minute later, Kotoko had a similar scoring chance as Ahli's defense poor clearance lead the ball to the free from marking George Yamoah but the substitute's shot could only hit the side netting for the game to end in a stalemate. The draw will be considered a fine result for Ahli, who were playing without six first team players due to injuries and suspensions. Mayhoub content with draw
