Match K.O. 21:00 Cairo local time | 14:00 ET Canada-USA
Al Ahly is determined to Conquer Their 11th African CL Title, a record-breaking achievement. They will face off against the defending champions, Wydad of Morocco, in the highly anticipated Champions League final on Sunday. This match serves as a rematch of last year’s final, a remarkable clash that showcased the pinnacle of Africa’s esteemed club competition.
Twelve months ago, the Egyptian powerhouses suffered a defeat against Wydad, losing 2-0 in Morocco. This unfortunate result denied them the opportunity to achieve an extraordinary treble after their previous successes in 2020 and 2021.
Making their fourth consecutive appearance in the final, the Egyptian giants are resolute in their pursuit of securing their 11th title and seeking revenge against their rivals. Ahly firmly believes that they were treated unjustly in the previous year, as the final was held at Wydad’s home ground, despite calls for a neutral venue.
The forthcoming final presents one notable change from last year’s encounter, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reinstated the two-legged format, previously abandoned in 2019.
Marcel Koller’s team will enjoy the advantage of a raucous Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, where over 50,000 passionate supporters will create an electrifying atmosphere.
Midfielder Mohamed “Afsha” Magdi expressed the significance of the fans’ role, stating, “Our supporters will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our objective. The past is behind us, and our focus is solely on tomorrow’s game and securing the 11th title,” as mentioned on the club’s website.
To manage the demanding league schedule and prevent player fatigue before the final, Koller has employed a rotation policy in recent matches.
However, the team will face a setback as their first-choice goalkeeper and captain, Mohamed El-Shennawy, will be unavailable for this crucial match due to an ongoing muscle injury. Ali Lotfi, who has recovered from a recent muscle strain, is expected to step in as El-Shennawy’s replacement after receiving medical clearance in the past few days.
Meanwhile, Wydad’s coach, Sven Vandenbroeck, has played down his team’s chances, despite their impressive victory over tournament favorites Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in the semifinals.
Although acknowledging that Ahly has displayed superior football, Vandenbroeck emphasized the importance of experience in their triumph. He was quoted by local media saying, “Claiming that a final against Ahly is easy is crazy. Ahly is a prominent team in Africa, reaching all but one final in the last five years and holding the most titles. However, Wydad has also been a regular contender in recent years, and we possess the experience to navigate such situations.”
Wydad, three-time African champions, are on the verge of securing their fourth title in their sixth appearance in the final of this prestigious tournament.
LIVE Al Ahly v Morocco’s Wydad | CAF Champions League final 2023
Match K.O. 21:00 Cairo local time | 14:00 ET Canada-USA
