As the anticipation builds for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly of Egypt and Esperance of Tunisia, football fans are gearing up for a showdown in Cairo this Saturday.
The first leg ended in a goalless draw, leaving everything to play for in this decisive match. Here are five key facts ahead of this crucial encounter:
- Al Ahly’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles: Al Ahly are on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat in African club football history. They aim to secure back-to-back Champions League titles for a record-extending fourth time. The Egyptian giants previously accomplished this in the 2005-2006, 2012-2013, and 2020-2021 seasons. In contrast, Esperance have managed consecutive wins only once, in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. A victory for Al Ahly would further solidify their dominance in African football.
- North African Dominance: This final marks the 15th consecutive CAF Champions League final since 2010 to feature at least one North African club. Al Ahly have been a dominant force, appearing in nine of these finals, while Esperance have been finalists five times. North African clubs have clearly established their supremacy in the competition, with Egypt leading the way with 17 Champions League titles, while Tunisia boasts six.
- Historic Encounters: The rivalry between Al Ahly and Esperance is storied and intense. Al Ahly have hosted Esperance 11 times in various stages of the Champions League, winning five matches and drawing six. Their most recent encounter was in the 2023 semi-final second leg, where Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Hussein el Shahat. This history adds another layer of intrigue to Saturday’s clash.
- Scoring Capabilities: Throughout this Champions League season, Al Ahly have shown their attacking prowess, netting 19 goals in 13 matches. Key players include Hussein el Shahat and Mahmoud Kahraba, who have scored five and four goals respectively. In contrast, Esperance have struggled offensively, managing just nine goals with Brazilian Yan Sasse leading their scoring charts with three goals. The disparity in offensive output could be a critical factor in the final.
- Undefeated Streaks on the Line: If Al Ahly remain unbeaten after the second leg, they will replicate the unbeaten run of their 2005 team, which featured legends like Essam el Hadary, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Barakat, and Emad Moteab. Similarly, Esperance were unbeaten during their triumphant 2019 campaign. Maintaining an unbeaten streak adds an extra layer of pressure and prestige to the match.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an enthralling encounter, these facts set the stage for a historic night in Cairo.
Football enthusiasts worldwide will be watching to see if Al Ahly can continue their reign or if Esperance can spoil their party and reclaim glory.
