Al Ahly are looking to extend their dominance of club football on the continent with a fourth Champions League success in the last five seasons, and a record extending 12th overall.
They had a defensive approach to the away match at the Rades stadium and restricted their hosts to a single early chance that Esperance’s Brazilian import Rodrigo Rodrigues headed wide of goal.
It proved a dour encounter with no other chances in the match.
It is Esperance’s first final appearance since winning the Champions League in 2019. They are bidding for a fifth continental title.
The second leg will be played in Cairo next Saturday.