Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zanaco hold Al Ahly in Alexandria
Zambian league champions Zanaco were impressive in defence as they prevented hosts Al Ahly of Egypt from scoring in their Caf Champions League Group D opening match at the Borg El Arab Stadium on Saturday.
The Egyptians could have won it in additional time had Coulibaly and Fathi been more clinical but they both failed to convert from close range.
With the game drawing to its end, Ahly forward Coulibaly found himself in a one on one situation with Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, the Ivorian getting his effort on target on the to turn, only to see it kept out by Nsabata’s left foot.
There was still time for Zanaco’s impressive defence to breached again but this time Fathi’s effort sailed across the face of goal, marginally going wide at the far post.
Earlier in the match, it was Zimisileni Moyo who gave the hosts a nervy moment when his deflected low effort narrowly missed the target while Ziyo Tembo, who had ventured forward for a corner, saw his effort on target saved by Ekrami in the 62nd minute.
After withdrawing Augustine Mulenga for Kennedy Musonda in the 53rd minute and Felix Nyaende for Kwame Attram on the hour mark and the result staying unchanged, Mumamba Numba seemingly satisfied with a point away from home, threw in central defender Andrew Kwiliko in the last ten minutes to bolster an already impressive defence.
The result pushed both Al Ahly and Zanaco into joint second behind leaders Wydad Casablanca who defeated Coton Sport of Cameroon 2-0 on Friday.
The next round of matches for this group will be played on 23rd and 24th May.
Coton Sport will welcome Al Ahly at the Roumde Adjia Omnisports Stadium in Garoua a day before Zanaco host Wydad Casablanca at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
Before then, Zanaco will turn their focus to the domestic league where they will be away to Nchanga Rangers on 17th May before hosting Nkana three days later.