CAF Champions League final: Koller v Vandenbroeck, a battle of the tacticians

The second leg of the African Champions League final promises plenty. With Wydad at home and Al Ahly travelling on Sunday 11 June, nothing is settled yet, even though the Egyptians took a fragile 2-1 lead at home a week ago. The Casablanca side know that with their fans behind them, they can turn the tie around and retain their title in the process.

This second leg of the Champions League final will not just be about the players on the pitch. On the touchline, the tactical battle between Wydad coach Sven Vandenbroeck and his Al Ahly counterpart Marcel Koller deserves a camera of its own.

In the first leg of the decider of the Champions League, Switzerland's Marcel Koller edged ahead of Sven Vandenbroeck. The Belgian intends to overturn that advantage. “I know African football better than the opposing coach (Koller). Is that an advantage? Maybe so. But the opposing coach has more experience than me. Each of us has his own strengths,” said Sven Vandenbroeck. “WAC have gained great experience in the Champions League. After the home draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, nobody thought we would reach the final. But we did it. This is a group that has played together for 5 years. They have reached great maturity. They know how to play and how to stay united,” he continued.

Koller 1, Vandenbroeck 0

At 2-1, the Egyptians know how to suffer to protect their lead, as Mali international Aliou Dieng pointed out. “We won't need to dictate the play to score,” he told Canal+. As for his coach, Marcel Koller remains convinced that, even having conceded at home, his side can finish the job in Casablanca. “I am certain we are capable of scoring a goal in Morocco that will give us a good advantage for a positive result,” said Koller.

What a second-leg Champions League final awaits, with two coaches who want to etch their names into the game's pantheon.

Jim CEESAY