The home crowd at the Radès Stadium roared their team on from the kick-off as Espérance de Tunis started brightly in their quest for CAF Champions League glory. Fired up by the electric atmosphere, the Blood and Gold created an early chance in the 5th minute through Rodrigo Rodrigues, but his header flashed just wide of Mustapha Shobir's goal.

Espérance dominated the first half, displaying a composed control of the game. Miguel Cardoso's men moved the ball around with short passes and attacking movements, pinning Al Ahly back in their own half. However, despite their territorial dominance, clear-cut chances were few and far between. Al Ahly, for their part, tried to hit Espérance on the break, but the home defense stood firm.

The second half was a more cagey affair, with both sides showing more caution. Chances were at a premium, with the game becoming scrappy in the middle of the park. Al Ahly looked to capitalize on Espérance's lack of a killer instinct in the final third, but they were unable to break through. Espérance, meanwhile, lacked sharpness in the final pass and failed to find a way past the resolute Egyptian defense.

The final whistle blew on a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams with everything to play for in the second leg in Cairo. While Al Ahly will be content with their away draw, Espérance will be eager to make amends in the return leg and claim another CAF Champions League title.

Espérance Lineup : Memmiche, Ben Ali (Bouchniba 69'), Ben Hamida (Ogbelu 90'+2), Meriah, Tougaï, Aholou, Tka (Ayeb 69'), Chaâlali, Sasse (Bouguerra 82'), Ghacha et Rodrigues (Ben Hammouda 90').
Yellow Cards : Aholou, Rodrigues.