Al-Ahly and Al-Ain Set to Clash for Afro-Asian Cup Glory

A highly anticipated showdown is set to take place at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, in January 2025, featuring Al-Ahly of Egypt, the African champions, and Al-Ain of the UAE, the Asian champions.

This exciting match is expected to be officially announced as part of the Afro-Asian Cup, with coordination between the Asian and African Football Confederations.

The victorious team in this intense battle will earn a $3 million prize. Al-Ain will participate as the champions of the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League, while Al-Ahly will compete as the 2024 CAF Champions League winners.

The Afro-Asian Cup, which debuted in 1986 and last took place in 1998, has seen 10 editions featuring matches between the champions of the African Club Cup and the Asian Club Championship.

Al-Ahly secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Al-Ittihad of Alexandria in the 26th round of the Egyptian Premier League at Burj Al-Arab Stadium, Alexandria. Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba” netted the only goal in the 68th minute, elevating Al-Ahly’s score to 39 points gained from 17 matches and moving them into third place. Al-Ittihad remains in seventh with 36 points.

This win marks Al-Ahly’s sixth consecutive league victory, keeping their title ambitions alive as they chase leaders Pyramids FC, who top the table with 56 points but have played six more matches than Al-Ahly.

In other league action, Smouha overturned the scores with two stoppage-time goals to defeat Al-Dakhiliya 3-2 at Alexandria Stadium, keeping Al-Dakhiliya at the bottom of the standings.

Meanwhile, at Petrosport Stadium in New Cairo, Zed and Pharco played out a 2-2 draw.

The round finishes today, with league leaders Pyramids FC visiting Mahalla Municipality at the New Suez Stadium, and Ceramica Cleopatra hosting Modern Future at the Green Mountain Stadium in Cairo.