Al Ahly of Cairo came from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Wydad Athletic Club in Casablanca to clinch a record 11th CAF Champions League title.
Al Ahly Crowned Champions: Sealing the Title with a Thrilling 3-2 Aggregate Victory
Wydad seized the advantage during the initial half when Yahia Attiat Allah, the international full-back, netted a goal in the 27th minute. Nonetheless, Ahly defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneam equalized the score with a trademark header in the 78th minute, contributing to his team’s championship victory.
Ahly commenced the match with a sluggish tempo, allowing the home team to exert control over possession. The hosts capitalized on this opportunity, earning three consecutive free kicks that posed a genuine threat to Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shennawi.
Yahia Attiat Allah’s strike from a free kick in the 27th minute found the back of the net, eluding keeper El-Shennawi at the far post and granting Wydad the lead, ultimately securing them the title.
Ahly appeared disjointed, particularly due to the lackluster performance of their midfield trio, who seemed unfocused.
In the second half, coach Marcel Koller made a timely double substitution around the hour mark, introducing Mohamed Magdi and Ahmed Abdel-Qader to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities.
Ten minutes later, Koller further bolstered the attack by making another double substitution, replacing the out-of-form players Hamdi Fathi and Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ Abdel-Moneam with Amr El-Soulaya and striker Mohamed Sherif.
Mohamed Abdel-Moneam, the international defender for Ahly, found the back of the net in the 78th minute, leveling the score with a trademark glancing header off Ali Maaloul’s well-placed corner, resulting in the silenced stands.
Following the goal, Wydad players intensified their offensive efforts in pursuit of the winning goal. Meanwhile, Ahly players had opportunities to secure victory, but Ahmed Abdel-Qader and Mohamed Sherif were unable to convert them.
The Red Devils showcased defensive solidity, thwarting the hosts’ attempts to pose a genuine threat in the remaining minutes of the game.
