What promised to be an entertaining match ended with no goals as Coton Sport and Al Masry played out a stalemate in their CAF Confederation Cup Group C opener on Sunday night.
Coton Sport started the match the stronger of the two teams and, after 10 minutes, were threatening with their attack intent.
Goni Ali nearly opened the scoring for Souleamanou Aboubakar’s charges in a sensational manner in the 16th minute with a brilliant volley from just outside the box, but Al Masy goalkeeper Ahmed Masoud made a save.
Coton goalkeeper Gadin Allambatnan then denied Masry the breakthrough in the 22nd minute with a crucial save after striker Amr Marey had brilliantly angled a shot inside the box.
Moine Chaabani’s troops were gaining momentum after 35 minutes and were creating meaningful chances, although the two sides went into the break goalless following a gutsy defensive display from Aboubakar’s men.
Al Masry were more adventurous after the break but could not carve out clear chances.
The hosts were lacking the intensity they finished the first stanza with and towards the hour mark, they were struggling to break down Al Masry’s defensive block.
Eric Moursou almost broke the deadlock for Cottoners in the 65th minute with a back-heel inside the box but he missed narrowly wide.
Mohamed Antar got an opportunity to find the back of the net for Al Masry 15 minutes before time with a header inside the box but the striker could not find the target.
Aboubkar’s men increased the intensity and found attacking momentum with five minutes to go but neither side could carve out a clear chance as the spoils were shared on the day.
Here’s how they lined up:
Coton Sport: Gabin Allambatnan, Hassana Mamoudou, Goni Ali, Hervé Ngomo, Houzaifi Youssoufa, Francis Tombi Alemi, Eric Moursou (Kamilou Daouda 65), Djawal Kaiba, Souaibou Marou, Abdouraman Daman, Arnold Mezui Mba
Masry: Ahmed Masoud; Ahmed Shedid, Haitham El-Eyouni, Yasser Ahmed, Karim El-Eraqi, Amr Mousa, Farid Shawki, Mohamed Antar (Emeka Eze 82), Elyes Jlassi (Ahmed Hamoudy 72), Mohamed Grindo, Amr Marie (Austin Amutu 82)
