Al Ahly's recipe in the CAF Champions League

03/05/2024 15:59

When it comes to consistency in the CAF Champions League, Al Ahly is a team that cannot be left behind in the conversation. And why could that be?

Well, for starters, the Egyptian team has set yet another record in the competition this season. Following their 3-0 triumph over Congolese club TP Mazembe in the semifinal, the Red Devils are officially chasing their 12th African Champions League title.

It looked all but lost, but a powerful charge in the second leg made sure that they got their foot in the door yet again.

Back-to-back again?

Al Ahly won the CAF Champions League back-to-back under Pitso Mosimane, before their run was ended by Wydad Athletic Club. And now the team is seeking the same feat under Marcel Koller.

The Red Devils will play against ES Tunis in the two legged final later this month, and with so much experience in winning the title 11 times before, they could do the unthinkable and grab the silverware once again.

Big boss mentality

The celebrations that ensued in Cairo as the final whistle came to confirm that Al Ahly were in yet another Champions League final could get anyone too excited at the possibility of making more history.

But the Swiss tactician Marcel Koller is not getting too carried away because he understands that even more glory awaits his team if they keep focused.

“I am very happy with the players’ focus and performance throughout the match and reaching the final,” Koller said as quoted by the CAF official website.

“The players played a great match and imposed control over the course of the game.”

But with all the joy happening around him, Koller played down the final that is looming and stated that facing their opponents is the least of his worries.

“I am not thinking about facing the Tunisian club at the moment,” he stated bluntly. “Our focus is on the league matches and then we devote ourselves to them.”

Could Al Ahly make history again?

The team is on course to break yet another record. More impressively so, a record of their own. With their players in such good form and spirits, it's possible — but their “Blood and Gold” opponents are no walk over either.

The Tunisian team took care of Mamelodi Sundowns, arguably one of the best teams in the continent at the moment by knocking them out in the semifinal.

They'll want to get their hands on the title too as they chase their fifth, an entertaining clash of two pioneers awaits in this final berth.

Who do you think is winning the CAF Champions League this time around?