Al Ahly beat Zamalek 2-1 to lift record ninth Caf Champions League title
Al Ahly have won their first Caf Champions League title after 7 years but ninth overall after beating rivals Zamalek in Friday night final in Cairo.
Strikes from Amr El Solia and Mohamed Magdy ensured Ahly won the historic derby 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium to claim the bragging rights off Jaime Pacheco’s side.
Al Ahly and Zamalek made today’s final in what was tagged final of the Century after both crushing out Moroccan rivals in semifinals of the competition.
Both Egyptian sides did qualification to the 2019/2020 finals in style though Ahly were better off Zamalek in the two side’s double victories over their semifinals opponents after Pitso Mosimane’s side scoring 5 goals in two-legged tie against Wydad Athletic Club whiles Zamalek beat Raja Club Athletic 4-1 in home and away.
Today’s finalists haven’t but met the first time in Caf Inter Club final with a one-match finale staging for first time in continental club football history. The history, pride and bragging rights were all attached as the whole of African paid attention to Egypt.
It was no sides than Ahly and Zamalek who are amongst African’s strongest clubs in Champions League history, of both together having lifted the title 13 times- Ahly had 8 before today’s win/Zamalek have 5 Champions League trophies.
Mosimane named a strong side in a 4-3-3 system but his rival Pacheco opted for the 4-2-3-1 system as tricky Mostafa Mohamed was left alone up front being played behind by veteran Shikabala.
In an intense game nature despite calmed atmosphere at the Cairo International Stadium due to absence of supporters, the then record 8-time Champions League side Ahly took the lead when Amr head home on the 5’ minute.
Zamalek leveled 26’ minutes later, when they have long dominated proceedings, as 34-year old Shikabala cut inside from the right edge of the box before sending a beautiful shot to the top left corner.
Zamalek continued with their dominant performance having appeared as better side of the second half where Ahly were only resilient and accurate in defense preventing Pacheco’s men from scoring a second goal.
Al Ahly finally got the much needed goal that crown them nine times champions of the African Champions League after Magdy stole possession from Tarek Hamed right at back of Zamalek’s box. And while the ball was still high in play, the Egyptian International scored from a half volley to send his side 2-1 up.
Ahly have now won the Caf Champions League nine times after beating Zamalek 2-1 in Cairo but it was Zamalek who played the sexiest game on the night.
And that victory marks Mosimane’s second Champions League title in career and first one at Ahly after taking over the Reds coaching job from Rene Weiler later part of the season.
Al Ahly will now progress to the delayed FIFA Club World Cup which is now set to be staged in Qatar next February. Bayern Munich and the winners from other confederations (CONMEBOL, AFC etc) await.
Meanwhile, the 2020/2021 Champions League season have started today with most interesting fixtures coming off tomorrow Saturday and Sunday all live on Futball Surgery.
Connect with Futball Surgery
