Dominant Al Ahly held to goalless draw by Ghazl El Mahalla

Defending champions Al Ahly were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Ghazl El Mahalla in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League on Monday, despite dominating possession and creating the lion’s share of chances.

The Cairo giants controlled the match from the outset but were wasteful in front of goal, as they failed to convert several promising opportunities.

Al Ahly now sit on five points from three matches, two behind provisional leaders Al Masry, who have played one game more.

Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan came close to giving the visitors an early lead in the eighth minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, but Ghazl El Mahalla’s goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

Minutes later, Trezeguet's chipped shot beat the keeper but was denied by the left post.

Despite dominating the first half, Al Ahly struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances.

Coach Jose Riveiro introduced Ahmed Nabil 'Koka' at halftime in an attempt to inject pace down the left flank.

Ahmed Sayed 'Zizo' tested the keeper in the 62nd minute with a curling left-footed strike, but it was comfortably saved.

The clearest opportunity fell to Mohamed Ben Romdhane in the 65th minute when his close-range header narrowly sailed over the crossbar.

Riveiro made further attacking changes, bringing on Taher Mohamed Taher and Ahmed Reda to replace Achraf Bencharki and Ben Romdhane.

Later, Mohamed Sherif and Hussein El Shahat were introduced to bolster the forward line. In the dying minutes, Achraf Dari unleashed a fierce shot from distance, only to see it cannon off the crossbar.

Al Ahly return to action on Saturday, 30 August, when they face Pyramids FC in a heavyweight clash in the fifth round.