Chances were at a premium in a dull affair, but Pyramids will still be favourites to advance when they host Azam in the second leg next week.

Both sides had some half-chances before Pyramids wasted the game's best opportunity just past the half-hour mark.

A cross from Ahmed Fathi eluded the defence and looked to be on its way to the net, only for defender Edward Manyama to clear it off the line.

Pyramids had to make two unscripted substitutions due to injuries.

Winger Eslam Eissa was replaced for Palestinian striker Mahmoud Wadi in the first half before the latter was also injured on 59 minutes, making way for Mohamed El-Gabbas.

Pyramids are making their third Confederation Cup appearance, having reached the final in 2020 and the semis last season.

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