Stalemate in Tripoli: Al-Masry Grinds to a 0-0 Draw, Set for a Decisive Return Leg
17 October 2025
First half
The goalless draw left its mark on the match between Al-Masry Port Said and Libyan Union at the Tripoli International Stadium, in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg.
The Masry, under Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki, produced a disciplined display that stifled Libyan attacks led by Hamdi Batout in front of a sizeable crowd.
The two sides head into the return leg on October 25 at the New Suez Stadium to decide who advances to the group stage.
Second half
Masry improved after the break, notably when Amr Saadawy delivered a pinpoint cross as Libyan pressure eased.
Mohamed Hamdi, the Masry goalkeeper, denied a late Libyan effort, and Masry squandered a couple of chances, including one by Mido Gaber as the match ended 0-0 with a sense of satisfaction for both teams.
Several substitutions by Kouki sought to freshen Masry's rhythm, including Mido Gaber replacing Ahmed Al-Qarmouti, and Ahmed Eid forced a late save from the Libyan defense.
The keeper Mahmoud Hamdi shone with a crucial save in the closing minutes, preserving the draw.
Past encounters stressed Masry's place in CAF Confederation Cup, a competition in which Egyptian clubs have had historic runs, including Zamalek's 2019 title and Al Ahly's 2014 triumph during the early years of the modern era.
Masry remains a fixture of the competition's light and strong showings despite North and West African opposition, with the return leg promising a fiery evening.
Humor time: If football were a deli counter, today’s match would be the “no sandwich, just the bread” edition. Sniper-style quip: the defense was so tight that even my jokes were offsides. Another zinger: the stadium PA announced a goal — but it was just a rumor, heard through the popcorn machine.
Punchline finale: My commentary is so precise it could score from midfield with a wink. And if the joke lands, hire a replay official, because that punchline just offsides the laughter.
