Harras Hodoud got what they wanted against Ahli after holding the Libyans to a goalless draw in Tripoli in the first leg of the Confederation Cup round of 16. The Egyptian Cup winners adopted a cautious strategy that helped them keep a clean sheet. They could have also scored a precious goal through some neatly-worked counter attacks. Midway through the first half, striker Ahmed Abdul-Ghani controlled a long ball inside the area and shot on the turn but his weak effort missed the target. Salama was found unmarked by a right-wing cross shortly after but blasted his shot wide of the post. Ahli dominated possession in the second half but failed to break down a tight Hodoud defense. The hosts' only real chance fell to talented forward Ahmed Saad, who fired a low shot that went just wide of the post. Hodoud, who host Ahli at Max Stadium in a fortnight, are now in the driving seat to book a place in the group stage.
