CAF Champions League titleholders Pyramids of Egypt played to a 1-1 draw against Insurance of Ethiopia in the first leg of their final qualifying round match in Cairo.
Pyramids took an early lead after 11 minutes thanks to a goal from Mahmoud Mayele, a contender for the African Player of the Year award. Insurance, however, secured a surprising draw when Biruk Mulugeta equalised seven minutes from time.
The Ethiopian side had ceded its home advantage for the first leg because its home ground did not meet CAF standards. Pyramids will host the return match at the same stadium on Thursday to determine who advances to the group stage.