El Merreikh, Simba Uninspiring In Goalless Draw

El Merreikh and Simba lacked killer instinct in their 2020-21 African Champions League, Group A clash on Saturday as they played out a goalless draw.

Its was a bright start to the match for Merreikh with Salif Eldin Terry whipping a right-sided free-kick into the box in the second minute which Abdelrahman Hassan met, but his ten-yard header came off the post.

Despite El Merreikh controlling the possession stakes and dominating the flow of the game, the next chance on goal went the way of Simba in the 19th minute when a right-sided cross from Larrt Bwalya was met by Chrispin Mugalu but his header went inches over the target.

El Merreikh came close to taking the lead just before the half hour mark when a corner was worked into Simba box which Wadgi Awad Alla met, but his close-range header was superbly saved by David Kakolanya.

The Msimbazi Reds should have scored in the 41st minute when Clatous Chama broke the off-side trap, but failed to beat Monged Abuzaid in a one-on-one.

The half ended 0-0.

El Merreikh should’ve gone ahead ten minutes after the break through a clear opening in the area from Darren Mattocks , but he shot straight at Kakolanya.

The first substitution came from Simba with 61 minutes gone as Hassan Dilunga came in for Larry Bwalya, who limped off the field.

A rasping shot from afar by Bakhit Khamis moments later nearly granted El Merreikh the lead, but goalkeeper Kakolanya saved before Taj Elnour hoofed over at the other end.

With full-time on the horizon, the two sides continued to battle up front therefore scoreless was the final result in Omdurman.