Despite a spirited effort from both sides, the match ended in a stalemate. The Red Devils are at the top of Group C with four points, level on points with Orlando Pirates, who occupy the second spot in the standings after completing two rounds of play.

The hosts, Orlando Pirates, showcased their dominance in the first half, creating numerous scoring opportunities that Ahly's goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy, expertly thwarted.

Marcel Koller, Ahly's head coach, opted to start Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali, who had recently recuperated from an instep injury.

Moroccan midfielder Reda Slim was also in the starting lineup alongside Emam Ashour, who had been absent from Ahly's previous matches.

In the second half, Koller made strategic substitutions, bringing on Percy Tau, Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdy, and Hussein El-Shahat from the bench in an effort to secure a breakthrough.

Despite intensified efforts from Ahly in the latter stages of the match, including a brilliant strike from El-Shahat and attempts from Tau, the Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, S. Chaine, stood firm, denying Ahly any scoring opportunities.

Looking ahead, Ahly will host Chabab Riadhi De Belouizdad of Algeria on Sunday, 22 December, in what promises to be a crucial third-round fixture in the competition's group stage.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)