CAF Champions League: Al Ahly win 11th African title
Al Ahly claim their 11th African title. The Egyptians got the better of Wydad Casablanca in the final (2-1 and 1-1).
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At kick-off, Wydad had no choice. After their 2-1 defeat in Cairo a week earlier, they had to win in Casablanca to have any hope of retaining the Champions League against Al Ahly, the most successful side in the competition. The Moroccan supporters had already set the tone, filling the stands three hours before kick-off and unveiling tifos worthy of the occasion.
Attiah Allah's left foot proves decisive
On the pitch, Wydad's players did not feel the need to force the pace early on. They stayed patient until they found a way through from a set piece. From an incredibly well-struck free-kick by Attiah Allah, the Egyptian defence was caught out and Mohamed El Shenawy, who was back in goal, was beaten (1-0, 28th minute). At that point, Wydad moved ahead thanks to the away goal. The Mohamed V stadium erupted. It was now the Red Devils who had to respond, and who needed to score to get back in front. They had failed to do so on 24 April, when they visited Raja Casablanca for the second leg of the quarter-finals (0-0). What's more, WAC are a fortress at home. They had not conceded a single goal in front of their own fans in six Champions League matches this season.
Mohamed Abdelmonem replies from a corner
But Al Ahly are not one of the most successful sides in the world for nothing. After struggling to find their rhythm following the Moroccan opener and showing a great deal of nerves, the Egyptian club levelled from a corner in the final quarter of an hour, thanks to a header from Egypt international Mohamed Abdelmonem (80th minute). It was the 4th goal for the 24-year-old centre-back. Without being at their best, the Red Devils held Wydad to a 1-1 draw and won their 11th CAF Champions League. It is their 3rd title in 4 years. They also take sweet revenge on the Moroccans, who beat them in the final in 2017 and 2022.
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