In their second Group D match in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, Djoliba AC and Pyramids, an Egyptian team, fought to a 0-0 tie on Sunday at the Stade du 26 Mars in Mali.
After defeating Sagrada Esperança 5-1 in the first game, Pyramid came into the match as the clear favourite.
Nonetheless, Djoliba displayed tenacity and defensive solidity throughout the match, determined to recover from their 4-0 setback to Esperance.
Both teams experienced near-misses during the first half.
Aboubacar Diakité, a regular menace in the attacking third, missed a close-range header in the 35th minute, while Pyramids’ Ramadan Sobhi and Marwan Hamdy both had attempts that came close but fell just short.
Both teams played with more urgency in the second half, with Alou Doumbia and Daba Sogoba of Djoliba creating opportunities but failing to convert.
Youssouf Koita, the custodian for Djoliba, was put to the test by Pyramids’ Walid El Karti and Marwan Hamdy, but he held firm to keep the Egyptian team out.
Both teams added substitutions late in the game to try to win, but neither was able to get ahead.
Marwan Hamdy of Pyramids got the game’s last try in stoppage time, but it was easily stopped.
With four points from the draw, Pyramids FC is still tied with Esperance Tunis, who also played to a goalless draw with Sagrada on Friday, for first place in Group D.
With one point apiece, Djoliba and Sagrada stay at the bottom, leaving the group in a vulnerable position.
As clubs compete for spots in the knockout stages, the group’s upcoming games will be pivotal..
