Ahli accomplished their goal of avoiding a defeat in Aba after holding Nigeria's Enyimba to a goalless draw in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final. Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium in a dull affair that took place on a muddy pitch. On paper, five-time African champions Ahli should face no difficulty in reaching the final when they host Enyimba in the second-leg in two weeks' time. Ahli successfully kept Enyimba forwards at bay in the first half. The hosts failed to threat goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid. The Red Devils' coach Manuel Jose fielded three defensive midfielders in Ahmed Hassan, Anis Boujelbene and Hossam Ashour. The Portuguese's strategy proved fruitful as Enyimba's attacking attempts were cut short. Enyimba created a half-chance after 11 minutes when a left-wing cross found Monday Osagie unmarked at the far post but he blasted poorly wide. Ahli tried to launch their own raids through the penetration of wingbacks Gilberto and Mohamed Barakat. The duo unsettled the Enyimba backline through their pacey runs down the flanks but Ahli forwards failed to connect with their pinpoint crosses. Angolan Flavio Amado, who played as a lone striker, found himself isolated in the penalty area every time a cross was whipped in.
Ahli had a chance to stun the home crowd in the 16th minute after a swift move. The mercurial Barakat darted down the right flank before providing a low cross to Boujelbene. The Tunisian midfielder fed Mohamed Abou-Treika, whose left-footed shot was superbly blocked by Enyimba keeper. The individual efforts of Enyimba's diminutive striker Stephen Worgu, who is the current Champions League top scorer with 13 goals, were spoiled by Ahli's three-man defense. Clear-cut Chances Although the second half was not so exciting, both sides had a chance to settle the game in their favor. In the 70th minute, Abou-Treika robbed Enyimba midfielder Oguchi Uche inside the area but his tame shot was handled by the Nigerian guardian. Enyimba will rue missing a glorious opportunity to snatch a precious win five minutes from time. The unmarked Emeka Akueme towered to connect with an inch-perfect cross from the left but his free header bounced off the turf and missed the target. Ahli held firm during the remaining minutes to return home with a satisfying result.
