A string of saves from Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi denied Ahli Bordj as both sides settled for a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Arab Champions League encounter on Sunday. The result puts Ismaili closer to the quarter finals next week when they host the Algerians for the second leg at home. Ismaili, first edition finalists, played a defensive game in the first period and rarely threatened the hosts. They returned completely to their half after the break, allowing Ahli to set the rhythm and fire more than once at Sobhi. But the Egyptian keeper was on alert blocking efforts Bachir Boudjelid and Zoheir Khedhara who almost broke the deadlock in the last five minutes.
