Ahly managed to hold Kano Pillars to a 1-1 draw in Kaduna

Reigning African champions Al Ahly of Egypt were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria's Kano Pillars in Kaduna on Saturday.

Pillars, who drafted in a Slovenian coach in the run up to the game, opened the scoring on the half-hour through Victor Namo.

They maintained that lead until 15 minutes before the end, when Ahly substitute Hani Al Egeizi headed home Gilberto's cross for Ahly's all important away goal.

The result means Ahly will be confident of making it through to the group stages of the competition.

The head of Kano Pillars, Ibrahim Galadima, told the BBC his side still have a chance to make it through, despite the set-back.

"A win would have been better for us, but I believe it is not impossible," he said.

"We played better than Ahly, I am honoured and proud of these boys."

Mr Galadima also criticised the organisation of the build up to the game, saying the officials were changed three times in the week before the match.

The match was held in Kaduna because Pillars' home stadium in Kano is being redeveloped.

Al Ahly have won the title a record six times, four of them under coach Manuel Jose, who plans to leave at the end of the next Egyptian domestic season.

In Saturday's other match the former champions Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia went to Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya and came away with a 0-0 draw - giving them a great chance of making it through to the group stage.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version