Medeama sporting club produced a battling defensive display to frustrate Ahli Shandi and leave their CAF confederation cup tie evenly poised ahead of return leg at Essipong stadium.

The Yellow and Mauves have their job cut out for them in the second leg encounter as they strongly refuse to succumb to a defeat, securing a share of spoils.

Ahli Shandi dominated most parts of the game, creating a host of decent chances but Medeama held onto their own to prevent a defeat.

Medeama's best chance fell to Abass Mohammed, but the striker fired well wide in a hard-fought tie.

Coach Tom Strand, whose future continues to be a matter of intense conjecture in the local media used all his arsenals available to frustrate teeming home fans of Shendi.

Goalkeeper Muntari Tagoe was resolute as ever, making a series of breathtaking saves to curtail the hopes of Shendi to the delight of handful of Ghanaians present.

As well as experience center back Paul Aidoo recovered from a minor knock in time to start in defence alongside Amoah, Sarpong and Adade to deal with all the pressure mounted by the home team.

The midfield was anchored by Malik Akowuah who did not disappoint, bossing and making it difficult for the Sudanese to bully their way through. He picked up a yellow card in the second half.

Medeama's top scorer this season, with five goals, Abass Mohammed also went into the referee's book for his troubles. The former Dawuna striker missed a glorious chance to give Medeama all the spoils in the 70th minute and was subsequently replaced by Benjamin Bature because of injury.

The second leg will be played in Sekondi on Wednesday 20th April, 2016.

Medeama starting X1 against Al Shandy: Tagoe, Adade, Sarpong, Amoah, Aidoo, Akowuah, Boahene, Donsu, Kwakwa, Bio, Abass.