Djoliba and Pyramids play out goalless stalemate in Group D
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Djoliba AC and Egyptian side Pyramids battled to a 0-0 draw in their second Group D encounter of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League on Sunday at the Stade du 26 Mars in Mali.
Pyramid, fresh from their dominant 5-1 victory over Sagrada Esperança in the opening game, entered the match as favourites.
However, Djoliba, determined to bounce back after their 4-0 loss to Esperance, showed resilience and defensive solidity throughout the contest.
The first half was a story of near misses for both teams. Pyramids' Ramadan Sobhi and Marwan Hamdy came close with efforts that went narrowly wide, while Djoliba’s Aboubacar Diakité was a constant threat in the attacking third, missing a close-range header in the 35th minute.
The second half saw increased urgency from both sides, with Djoliba’s Daba Sogoba and Alou Doumbia creating chances but failing to convert.
For Pyramids, Walid El Karti and Marwan Hamdy tested Djoliba goalkeeper Youssouf Koita, who stood firm to deny the Egyptian side.
Late in the game, both teams introduced substitutes in search of a winner, but neither could find the cutting edge.
Pyramids' Marwan Hamdy had the final attempt of the match in stoppage time, but his effort was comfortably saved.
The draw sees Pyramids FC retain their position at the top of Group D with four points, tied with Esperance Tunis, who also played out a goalless draw against Sagrada on Friday.
Djoliba and Sagrada remain at the bottom with a single point each, leaving the group wide open.
The group’s next fixtures will be crucial as teams battle for knockout-stage berths with Esperance hosting Pyramids in the top-of-the-table clash on Saturday while Djoliba take on Sagrada a day later.
