The first leg of the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and Esperance ended in a goalless draw at Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades and all the eyes will be at Cairo Stadium next Saturday to decide the Champions. 

The Red Eagles extended their unbeaten run in the Champions League to 21 games, setting a new record in the prestigious competition. 

The game started with a big setback for Marcel Koller's men as Ali Maaloul was forced to leave the game due to an injury and he was replaced by Karim Fouad. 

Most of the game was played in midfield with a very few chances created at both ends. 

Rodriguez had a close chance to open the score for Esperance in the opening minutes, while Emam Ashour missed a chance with a powerful strike in the second half.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Mohamed Magdy Afsha and Reda Slim joined the game to refresh our attacking line.

While we managed to dominate the game in the second half, our attempts to find the target were unsuccessful. 

Our goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir, earned another clean sheet in the Champions League this season, keeping his net clean for the 9th match in a row. 

The title will be decided next Saturday when the two teams meet again for the second leg at a full house Cairo Stadium. 

Post-match comments 

Marcel Koller 

"The first half of the final ended and now our focus turns into the second leg in Cairo. We were the better side especially after the break. We have to be cautious in the second leg because Esperance is a very strong team and they managed to create big chances." 

Wessam Abou Ali 

"It was a tough game but we managed to get a positive result ahead of the second leg. I want to achieve my first Champions League title and I promise our fans that we will give everything to celebrate the title with you next Saturday at home."