The stage is set for the pinnacle of African club football as Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Al Ahly SC prepare to clash in the 2023/24 CAF Champions League final. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated event.
What is the CAF Champions League?
The CAF Champions League is Africa’s premier club football competition, organized annually by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is the most prestigious tournament for African clubs, determining the continent’s top team.
When is the 2023/24 Champions League final?
The final will be contested over two legs. The first leg is scheduled for May 18th, 2024, and the second leg will take place on May 25th, 2024.
What is the format of the final?
The final is a two-legged affair, with each team playing one match at home and one away. The team with the highest aggregate score over the two matches will be crowned the champion.
What teams are competing in the 2023/24 final?
The finalists are Espérance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia and Al Ahly SC from Egypt.
Where will the final matches be played?
The first leg will be held at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis, Tunisia, on May 18th. The second leg will take place at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on May 25th.
What are the kick-off times for the matches?
The first leg in Tunis kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT on May 18th. The second leg in Cairo will start at 5:00 PM GMT on May 25th.
What is the prize money for the finalists?
The winners of the Champions League will receive $4 million, while the runners-up will earn $2 million from CAF.
What is the history of the two clubs in this competition?
Espérance has won the Champions League four times, with their most recent victories coming in back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. Al Ahly is the most successful club in the competition’s history, having won the title 11 times, most recently in 2022.
Who are the head coaches?
Espérance is managed by Miguel Cardoso, while Marcel Koller leads Al Ahly.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Espérance, key players include midfielder Yan Sasse and goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche, who have been standout performers. Al Ahly’s main threats are striker Hussein El Shahat and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
What ball will be used?
The “OLA” official match ball, supplied by Puma, will be used for the Champions League final.
Any other key facts and figures?
This is the 23rd meeting between Espérance and Al Ahly in the Champions League, with Al Ahly leading the head-to-head record 10-8. Both teams are striving to set a new record by achieving nine consecutive clean sheets in the competition. In their last title-deciding meeting in 2012, Al Ahly triumphed over Espérance with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Where can I watch the matches?
The matches will be broadcast by CAF’s official TV partners in various regions. Check local listings for details.
Where can I get live updates?
Live text commentary, statistics, and updates for both legs of the final will be available on the CAF website at CafOnline.com.
Get ready for a thrilling conclusion to the 2023/24 CAF Champions League as Espérance and Al Ahly battle for African supremacy.
Photo: CAF Online
