A below-par Pyramids FC side failed to trouble Raja in a drab goalless draw in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup semi-final on Sunday, with the hosts even lucky not to lose in Cairo.

Pyramids, who are enduring a poor run in the domestic league, were hoping it would be third time lucky against Raja after losing twice to the Moroccan side in the group stage of Africa's secondary club competition.

But they lacked flair and spark against the Casablanca outfit, even though their starting line-up featured star winger Ramadan Sobhi, veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said and promising attacking midfielder Ibrahim Adel.

It was Raja who created the only genuine goal-scoring chances, going close twice either side of the interval.

On 24 minutes, Soufiane Rahimi, who is reportedly targeted by Cairo giants Ahly, broke clear but shot straight at Pyramids keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi, who deputized for error-prone goalie Sherif Ekramy.

El-Shennawi was at fault in the 67th minute as he completed misjudged an innocuous ball, with Rahimi's goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Pyramids substitute Ali Gabr.

Pyramids' late pressure yielded a half-chance after some good work from Sobhi, who weaved his way past three defenders and sent a square pass to El-Said, whose shot was blocked by timely tackles from two defenders.

The second leg will take place in Casablanca next Sunday, with Raja now favourites to reach the final.

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