Tau and Kahraba Shine as Al Ahly Secure 2-1 Victory Against Wydad in African Champions League Final First Leg.
It’s only a slim advantage for the Egyptian club to take to Morocco for the decisive second leg next Sunday in Casablanca.
Wydad boosted its hopes of retaining the title, and denying Al Ahly a record-extending 11th Champions League crown, when substitute Saifeddine Bouhra swept in a shot from near the penalty spot for Wydad’s crucial away goal to make it 2-1.
Bouhra had entered the game a mere four minutes prior.
The goal altered the situation for Al Ahly and their 60,000 passionate fans donning red shirts at Cairo International Stadium. Disheartened, the Al Ahly players trudged off the field, with Kahraba concealing his face beneath his jersey.
On the other hand, Wydad players congratulated each other, fully aware of their dominance when playing at home in the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. It was at this very venue where they triumphed over Al Ahly with a convincing 2-0 victory in last year’s African Champions League final, which was held as a single-match showdown.
In the first half, Al Ahly dominated the game, creating numerous opportunities. They had a penalty decision overturned by VAR, and two other penalty claims were denied. However, just before halftime, South Africa international Tau scored the opening goal with a header from Hussein El Shahat’s cross.
In the 59th minute, Kahraba increased Al Ahly’s lead to 2-0. Wydad goalkeeper Youssef El Motie ventured far from his goal, rushing to the right side of the penalty area in an attempt to intercept a long pass, but Kahraba capitalized on the situation and found the back of the net.
Bouhra’s goal shifted the momentum in favor of Wydad, adding another chapter to the ongoing rivalry between Africa’s top clubs. Al Ahly and Wydad have been the dominant forces in the African Champions League, having won the last three titles collectively.
Although Al Ahly emerged victorious in two of the previous three tournaments, Wydad managed to halt their winning streak last season. Furthermore, Wydad has a perfect record in previous encounters against Al Ahly in the final, having triumphed on both occasions.
