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CAF Champions League finalists Al Ahly of Egypt and Esperance of Tunisia boast amazing defensive records ahead of the second leg in Cairo on Saturday, with goalkeepers Mostafa Shobeir and Amanallah Memmiche the unexpected stars.
Shobeir has not conceded in eight Ahly appearances, including the 0-0 draw in the first leg of the title decider last weekend, since replacing injured captain Mohamed el Shenawy.
El Shenawy, rated among the best shot-stoppers in Africa, was available for the encounter in Tunisia, but sat on the bench with Swiss coach Marcel Koller keeping faith in Shobeir.
Shobeir is a 24-year-old son of former Egypt international Ahmed Shobeir, one of many great goalkeepers produced by record 11-time Champions League winners Ahly, including Essam el Hadary.
Mostafa Shobeir was superbly protected by Mohamed Hany, stand-in captain Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem and Karim Fouad, with Esperance failing to get a single goal attempt on target. Substitute Fouad was introduced after only seven minutes when veteran Tunisian international full-back Ali Maaloul limped off.
The rise of Memmiche, who celebrated his 20th birthday last month, was equally meteoric as he understudied captain Moez Ben Cherifia when Esperance began their campaign last September.
Memmiche and veteran Ben Cherifia swapped roles for the return qualifier against Douanes from Burkina Kaso and he has been the first choice since.
The Tunisian has kept 11 clean sheets in 12 Champions League matches and comfortably dealt with a shot from leading Ahly scorer Hussein el Shahat – the lone first-leg goal attempt on target.
His only blemishes came at the group stage against Al Hilal, who beat him three times in a match moved to Tanzania because of the armed conflict in Sudan. — MSN.
Online Reporter