Egyptian side Al Ahly were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Esperance de Tunis in their CAF Champions League Group A opener at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

An expectant crowd were treated to a lot of neat possession football from hosts in the opening 10 minutes as the home side pushed and probed, but without much effect in the final third.

Esperance had to soak up the pressure pulling some strings from midfield, but it was not until the 14th minute that Al Ahly’ first real chance came when Marwan Tharwat’s rattled the post after connecting from Elsayed’s corner.

The Tunisian side were finally dominating with the home side relying on counter attacks.

On the 20th minute, they should have taken the lead when Anice Badri was played clear but he shot directly at the Al Ahly keeper. On the 30th minute, Elshena was at it again to deny the Elbeia of Esperance.

With the game being a tactical chess match, the crowds had to content themselves with the sporadic singing as chances were few and far between for the rest of first stanza.

The second half continued in the same vein as chances refused to avail themselves. Nevertheless, five minutes after the restart, Mohamed Elsayed produced arguably the best save of the match denying Frank Kom a chance to score in a one on one situation.

Al Ahly created several chances towards the end of the match but could not convert their opportunities, with Mohammed Hussein the most unlucky after watching his powerful shot being saved by Cherifia.

The game predictably petered out into the expected draw that will do the sides no good.