The countdown is on for the much-anticipated 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, which promises to deliver an all-Egyptian showdown between two of Africa’s most celebrated football clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek.
This prestigious event, held annually, pits the reigning champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League against the winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, and this year’s edition will take place on Friday, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Both Al Ahly and Zamalek are no strangers to the spotlight, having cemented their legacies in African football with numerous domestic and continental titles.
Al Ahly, often referred to as the “Club of the Century,” comes into this year’s Super Cup with an impressive record, having lifted the trophy eight times.
Their dominance is unparalleled, with victories in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2021, making them the most successful club in the history of the competition.
They also have three runner-up finishes, most recently in 2023 when they were narrowly defeated by Algeria’s USM Alger.
Zamalek, on the other hand, has enjoyed their own share of Super Cup glory. The Cairo-based club has won the title four times, with their first triumph coming in 1994 against none other than their fierce rivals Al Ahly.
Zamalek’s other victories followed in 1997, 2003, and 2020. Despite trailing Al Ahly in Super Cup titles, Zamalek is determined to close the gap and secure their fifth title in this year’s final.
Their history with Al Ahly in this competition only adds to the excitement, with the 1994 Super Cup victory over Al Ahly still a fond memory for Zamalek fans.
This year’s edition is particularly significant as it will be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, a state-of-the-art stadium that boasts a capacity of 30,000 and features a retractable roof.
The arena, which became home to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in 2023, has quickly gained international recognition, hosting high-profile events such as Al Hilal’s 4-3 win over Inter Miami and the professional boxing debut of Francis Ngannou.
The Kingdom Arena’s world-class facilities, along with its record-breaking design, make it the perfect stage for the 2024 CAF Super Cup.
Adding to the allure of this year’s event is the unveiling of a new visual identity for the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup.
Inspired by the official trophy, this rebranding is part of CAF’s broader initiative to enhance the global appeal of African football and further elevate the prestige of its competitions.
With Riyadh already buzzing from a series of international sports events this season, the Super Cup is set to be another spectacle that will capture the attention of football fans around the world.
As Al Ahly looks to secure their ninth Super Cup title and Zamalek aims to even the scales with a fifth triumph, the stakes could not be higher.
Both teams boast rich histories and fierce rivalries that go beyond just football, making this showdown one of the most anticipated fixtures in African football.
The pride of Cairo and, by extension, all of Egypt, will be on the line in Riyadh, as the two giants battle for continental supremacy once again.
For Al Ahly, this year’s final offers a chance to extend their Super Cup dominance, while for Zamalek, it’s an opportunity to prove that they can go toe-to-toe with their rivals on the biggest stage.
With both clubs representing the pinnacle of Egyptian football, the 2024 CAF Super Cup is not just a contest for a trophy—it is a fight for legacy and honor in the annals of African football history.
Fans of both teams, as well as neutrals from across the globe, will be watching closely to see which Cairo giant will emerge victorious in this clash of titans.