Al Ahly, AS FAR stalemate sees both sides advance to TotalEnergies CAF Champions League knockout stage
Record African champions, Al Ahly concluded their TotalEnergies CAF Chamions League group stage with an evenly balanced goalless stalemate against AS FAR on Sunday evening to bring to a close the group stage campaign of the competition.
The goalless draw was enough to see both sides advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
In a simultaneous fixture, Young Africans’ 3-0 victory over JS Kabylie was unfortunately not enough to see them advance as they fell short by just one point behind AS FAR.
Below is a summary of both matches.
Al Ahly 0 – 0 AS FAR
Al Ahly enjoyed the brighter start and created several early opportunities, with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane and Aliou Dieng both testing AS FAR goalkeeper Ahmed Tagnaouti, who was in outstanding form throughout the match.
The visitors remained disciplined defensively and threatened sporadically on the break, most notably through Youssef El Fahli, though clear-cut chances were limited in a first half that saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Al Ahly pressing higher and forcing a succession of corners and long-range attempts. Emam Ashour and Achraf Bencharki both went close, while Tagnaouti continued to deny the hosts with a series of assured saves.
The visitors absorbed sustained pressure and defended resolutely, managing the tempo effectively in the closing stages. Despite seven minutes of added time, neither side was able to find a decisive breakthrough.
The stalemate ensured both teams concluded the group stage with a hard-fought point in a match defined by defensive organisation and goalkeeping resilience.
Young Africans 3 – 0 JS Kabylie
Young Africans produced a commanding second-half display to secure a 3–0 victory over JS Kabylie.
The Tanzanian side took the lead in the 36th minute when Depú calmly converted a penalty after Pacôme Zouzouawas fouled inside the area. Young Africans carried their momentum into halftime with a deserved 1–0 advantage.
After the restart, the hosts increased their intensity and doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, as Depú rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner, completing his brace on the night.
Just three minutes later, Young Africans struck again on the counterattack. Issaka Boka finished from close range after a swift break, assisted by Prince Dube, to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.
Despite the commanding victory, the Tanzanian giants’ campaign came to an end as they finished a point less than Group B runners-up, AS Far who advance along with Al Ahly.