Al Ahly to face Esperance in fifth straight CAF Champions League final

© Al Ahly

Al Ahly to face Esperance in fifth straight CAF Champions League final

Festus Chuma 08:42 - 27.04.2024

Al Ahly have advanced to fifth consecutive final appearance and they will face set to face Esperance de Tunis.

Defending champions Al Ahly of Egypt have once again proven their dominance in African football securing a spot in their fifth consecutive African Champions League final. 

Their path to the final was paved with a commanding 3-0 victory over TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, sealing a comfortable aggregate triumph after a goalless draw in the first leg.

On the other side of the bracket, perennial rivals Esperance of Tunisia staged a surprise upset, defeating South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in Pretoria. 

The 20-year-old Esperance defender Raed Bouchniba was the hero of the match, scoring a clinical goal in the 57th minute to secure a 2-0 aggregate victory for his team.

The final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two African football powerhouses.

Al Ahly, who have won a record 11 Champions League titles, will be looking to add another trophy to their collection. 

Meanwhile, Esperance, who last won the tournament in 2019, will be seeking to reclaim the title and add to their four previous triumphs.

In the semifinal second-leg against Mazembe, the Red Devils demonstrated their attacking prowess with Mohamed Abdel-Moneim breaking the deadlock in the 68th minute. 

Wessam Abou Ali added a second in the 83rd minute, followed by a stoppage-time goal from Akram Tawfiq, confirming Al Ahly's superiority.

Esperance, on the other hand, showcased their defensive prowess in their semifinal clash against Sundowns. 

The 20-year-old goalkeeper Amanallah Memmich produced a series of fine saves to deny the South African forwards, ensuring his team's place in the final.

The first leg of the final will take place on May 18 with Esperance hosting the match in Tunisia. 

The return leg will be held in Cairo seven days later where Al Ahly will look to secure yet another Champions League title. 

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