The Throne of Africa Between Al-Ahly and Esperance
Al Ahly of Egypt is looking to tighten their grip on the CAF Champions League when they host Tunisia’s Espérance tomorrow, Saturday, in the second leg of the final at Cairo International Stadium. This stadium will witness continental coronation for the second week in a row after Zamalek clinched the Confederation Cup title against Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane.
The visiting team aims to end the dominance of the “Red Devils” and return to their country with their fifth title in history. The two teams had previously drawn 0-0 at the “Hamadi Agrebi” Stadium in Rades in the first leg.
Al Ahly seeks to enhance their record number of titles and win their twelfth championship in history, having reached the final for a record fifth consecutive time, aiming for a fourth title in this period. This is the third time the two teams meet in the CAF Champions League final, with Al Ahly winning the title in 2012 and Espérance claiming it in 2018.
Egyptian Fan Support
The Egyptian giant will be supported by more than fifty thousand spectators in the anticipated match, which will miss the veteran Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul due to injury, who joined the ranks of the injured which include Mohamed Dhaoui, Amr El-Sulaya, Hamza Alaa, and others. Striker Mahmoud Abdel Moneim “Kahraba” emphasized the team’s readiness, explaining that the players possess the “Al Ahly spirit, which is always present in big matches.” Kahraba considered Maaloul’s injury a “big blow,” adding, “We will try to win the championship for him.”
After the first leg result, both teams have maintained clean sheets for nine consecutive matches, indicating that the encounter will be tough for both sides. During the match, Swiss coach Marcel Koller will seek to win his second consecutive continental title, inscribing his name alongside historic coaches who have won the title consecutively, the most recent of which being South African Pitso Mosimane (2020 and 2021) with Al Ahly.
Koller is expected to rely on Karim Fouad as a replacement for Maaloul alongside Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ramy Rabia, and Mohamed Hani in defense, with young goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier behind them. Koller has several advantages in midfield with the presence of Malian Aliou Dieng, Emam Ashour, Marwan Atia, and Akram Tawfik. Offensively, Palestinian Wessam Abou Ali will be tasked with scoring as a central striker, with Moroccan Reda Slim and South African Percy Tau, as well as Kahraba and Hussein El-Shahat.
Espérance’s Strength in Defense
The “Bab Souika” team comes to Cairo aspiring for their fifth historic title and their first since 2019, with coach Miguel Cardoso relying on the defensive solidity of his squad to snatch the title from the host.
Cardoso urged his players to show the best version of the team, so they return with the cup from Cairo. Since taking over at the beginning of this year, Cardoso has made a significant impact on the “Blood and Gold” team in his first African coaching experience, achieving 9 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses out of 14 matches in all competitions. The Portuguese coach has maintained a clean record in the continental competition without the team conceding any goals, with 5 wins and 6 draws.
Espérance only needs a positive draw to secure the title for the fifth time in their history. The Portuguese coach focused his efforts on enhancing the team’s defensive strength, successfully doing so with young goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche, central defenders Mohamed Amine Tougai from Algeria, and Yassine Meriah, and defensive midfielder Roger Aholou from Togo, maintaining a clean sheet in the last nine consecutive matches in the tournament. Conversely, they rely on swift attacks led by the Brazilian duo Yan Sasse and Rodrigo Rodrigues.
