Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour is gearing up for a monumental clash as his side prepares to face long-time rivals Zamalek in the highly anticipated 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup.
The showdown will take place on Friday at Riyadh’s sold-out Kingdom Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 21h00 local time (18h00 GMT).
The match pits Al Ahly, the record holders of the CAF Champions League, against Zamalek, the reigning CAF Confederation Cup champions, in what promises to be an intense encounter.
In an exclusive interview with CAFOnline ahead of Al Ahly’s departure to Riyadh, Ashour emphasized the importance of the Super Cup and the special significance of winning it against their fierce rivals.
“Everyone is aware of their responsibility and how we need to cover for one another in this match,” Ashour said. “It will not be an easy outing, but Inshallah, we will be able to bring back the trophy.”
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been instrumental for Al Ahly in several competitions this season, acknowledges the challenge of facing Zamalek but stresses the need to stay focused.
“These matches are always intense, and this will be even tougher due to us playing our rivals. But we cannot let that distract us from our preparations. We need to play the occasion, not the opponent,” Ashour explained.
When asked about the keys to victory in such a high-stakes encounter, Ashour pointed to team unity and the unwavering support of their fans. “The players must remain in solidarity throughout this match, and we certainly count on the support of our supporters. Inshallah, we will triumph, but solidarity may be the deciding factor here.”
For Ashour, this Super Cup holds personal significance. He previously competed in the tournament but fell short of winning the title. “I took part in the last edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, which was my first experience in this competition. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get this title, because it wasn’t Al Ahly’s turn. Currently, our entire team is focused on winning against Zamalek, which would be even more memorable for me in my football career,” Ashour shared.
Reflecting on his successful season with Al Ahly, Ashour credited the club’s strong sense of camaraderie. “Playing for Al Ahly, surrounded by great footballers, helps your quick integration into the team. I don’t feel like a stranger here because these players make you feel like you’ve been part of the club since childhood,” he said.
As the countdown to the match continues, Ashour has a final message for Al Ahly’s passionate fanbase. “We count on the support of our fans, and we hope that they will accompany us as always. Inshallah, we will all celebrate together at the end of the match.”
With emotions running high and the rivalry between Al Ahly and Zamalek at its peak, the 2024 CAF Super Cup is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, and Emam Ashour is determined to make it a special victory for both himself and the Al Ahly faithful.
