The 2024 CAF Super Cup promises an exciting spectacle as two Egyptian football giants, Al Ahly and Zamalek, face off once again in one of Africa's most intense rivalries. This clash between historic rivals will take place on an international stage, under the watchful eyes of the entire continent.
Al Ahly, known as the "Red Devils," is Africa’s most decorated team, with a rich history in both national and continental competitions. Al Ahly comes into this Super Cup after winning the 2024 CAF Champions League, defeating top-tier teams across the continent. With that victory, they reaffirmed their position as Africa’s best team, securing their 11th Champions League title. This success adds to their historic dominance and gives them tremendous confidence heading into this match. With a squad full of talent and experience, led by their Swiss coach Marcel Koller, Al Ahly has the ability to control games with their solid defense and dynamic attack. Key players like Percy Tau and Ali Maâloul will be crucial in breaking down their rivals.
On the other hand, Zamalek, dubbed the "White Knights," comes into this Super Cup after winning the 2023 CAF Confederation Cup. This title marked a resurgence for Zamalek in continental competitions, following some difficult times in the local league. They defeated RSB Berkane in the final with a solid performance, securing a trophy that had been missing from their cabinet for a few years. This international success has renewed hope among the White Knights’ fans, who expect their team to challenge Al Ahly on equal footing.
Key to the Match
The Cairo derby in the Super Cup has a history of being a tactical and physical battle. Al Ahly comes in as the favorite, given their recent Champions League triumph and their dominant run in international competitions, but Zamalek always has extra motivation when facing their biggest rival. The control of the midfield, set pieces, and the ability to maintain focus throughout the game will be decisive factors.
Both teams will be looking for victory not only to claim another trophy but also to reaffirm their supremacy in Egypt and across the African continent. Fans are eager to see who will take the glory in this 2024 Super Cup.
Previewing the Clash
The stage is set for an epic clash as Al Ahly and Zamalek, Egypt’s two biggest football clubs, go head-to-head in the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup 2024 final tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
With kick-off at the Arena Stadium at 1800 GMT, the match promises to be a thrilling showdown between these long-time rivals, who are both vying to start their seasons with a major trophy.
Al Ahly, the reigning TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners, have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in African club football.
Under the guidance of coach Marcel Koller, the “Red Devils” secured their fourth consecutive CAF Champions League title earlier this year, adding to their already impressive haul of 44 Egyptian league championships.
Despite a relatively quiet transfer window, Ahly strengthened their squad with the signings of Moroccan World Cup semifinalist Yahia Attiyat Allah and center-back Achraf Dari from Brest. Koller, however, remains focused on the immediate task at hand.
“Winning the title will mean a lot to us and give us a big push for the upcoming season,” Koller said in his pre-match press conference.
“There’s no difference between local and international games. We’re excited to face Zamalek and will give our best to secure the trophy.”
Zamalek, known as the “White Knights,” have faced a tougher path recently. Despite a third-place finish in the Egyptian Premier League last season, trailing second place by a significant 17 points, they managed to capture the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
The summer saw them rejuvenate their squad with seven new signings, including promising young Palestinian striker Omar Faraj from AIK in Sweden. Coach Gomes is confident that his team’s current form and spirit will carry them through.
“The match will be tough for both teams,” Gomes acknowledged.
“Even the players on the bench will play a decisive role. Winning this title will boost the players’ confidence and set the stage for future success.”
In their previous African encounters, Al Ahly have largely had the upper hand, winning six out of ten matches, with Zamalek securing just one victory.
Notably, Zamalek’s lone win came in the 1994 Super Cup, while Ahly clinched a memorable 2-1 victory in the 2020 CAF Champions League final. The “Red Devils” have scored 17 goals to Zamalek’s 10 in these fixtures, underscoring their attacking prowess.
The Stakes are High
With the stakes high and a sold-out Arena Stadium brimming with Egyptian and Arab fans, tonight’s match promises to be an electrifying affair.
Both teams will be eager to claim bragging rights and add another prestigious trophy to their collections. Al Ahly will be looking to extend their dominance with a ninth Super Cup title, while Zamalek hope to clinch their fifth.
Focus on the Tactical Battle
Portuguese coach Jose Gomez, the technical director of Zamalek, is still thinking about the player who will lead the team’s left wing against Al-Ahly this Friday evening in the African Super Cup final, held in Riyadh.
According to press sources, Gomez is choosing between the duo Konrad Michalak and Mustafa Shalabi, the team’s stars, in order to lead the left wing in the African Super Final.
It is reported that Zamalek has contracted with Konrad Michalak is coming this summer from the ranks of the Saudi club Ohod, on loan for a season.
Zamalek’s Tactical Preparations
Zamalek's technical staff have reportedly warned their players about Percy Tau ahead of their CAF Super Cup clash against Al Ahly.
On Friday night, the Red Devils and the White Knights will renew their fierce rivalry when the two north African giants meet for the first time this season in the CAF Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Last season, Zamalek defeated USM Alger in the CAF Confederation Cup final to win the competition for the second time in their history.
Ahly, on the other hand, were victorious over Esperance de Tunis in the CAF Champions League final to extend their record of most African titles won to 12.
Now, the CAF Super Cup will be the stage for the latest iteration of the Cairo Derby, and it seems Zamalek have been thorough in conducting their due diligence.
According to media personality Medhat Shalaby, Zamalek head coach Jose Gomes has held multiple meetings in preparation for the contest, and has told his players to be wary of Tau the most.
The Bafana Bafana winger scored two goals in Ahly's second preliminary round encounter against Gor Mahia, and this has reportedly caused concern in their rivals' dressing room.
“Zamalek's technical staff held meetings with the players to analyse Al Ahly's last two matches,” Shalaby said on MBC Masr.
“Zamalek's technical staff warned the Whites' players about South African Percy Tau due to the player's capabilities, skills and speed.
“Zamalek's technical staff fears the danger of Percy Tau, especially since the CAF Super Cup match may witness the participation of one of the duo Mohamed Hamdy or Mahmoud Bentayek, or even in the case of the participation of Omar Gaber, who is not good at playing with his left foot.”
A Matchball of Significance
The Confédération of African Football (CAF) and PUMA have unveiled the official match ball tagged “OLA” for the highly anticipated CAF Super Cup 2024 Final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Champions League champions Al Ahly will face rival and Confederation Cup champions Zamalek both of Egypt in the one leg final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday. The special edition of “OLA”, originally launched during the last interclub finals, is a mix of black and gold, representing power and sophistication. The ball will be the centrepiece of the eagerly-awaited match between the two giants of African football. The OLA ball stands out with its vibrant design and cultural significance. “OLA” means “wealth,” “honour,” and “respect” in Yoruba and “rise” and “success” in Arabic.
A Clash of Confidence
In the pre-match press conference ahead of the CAF Super Cup, Zamalek coach Gomes expressed his hopes for a thrilling encounter against Al Ahly. Acknowledging Al Ahly’s strength and winning culture, he emphasized that Zamalek shares the same mindset, striving to return to victory. “The match will be tough for both teams,” Gomes noted, adding that Zamalek's current form is better than before.
He also highlighted the importance of the entire squad, not just the starting 11, in securing the win: “Even the players on the bench will play a decisive role.” Reflecting on Zamalek's 1994 Super Cup victory over Al Ahly, he remained confident in his team’s ability to repeat history, stressing that small details will decide the game. He concluded by saying, “Winning this title will boost the players’ confidence and set the stage for future success.”
Al Ahly`s coach, Marcel Koller expressed his excitement and determination for the match. While he hasn’t finalized the starting lineup yet, Koller emphasized the importance of the final, stating, “Winning the title will mean a lot to us and give us a big push for the upcoming season.” He also noted that there’s no difference between local and international games, highlighting his enthusiasm for facing Zamalek and his team's commitment to giving their best tomorrow.
The Players' Perspective
Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour is expecting a tough match against arch rivals Zamalek in the CAF Super Cup final, which will be played in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening.
The two teams face off in a continental match for the first time since their memorable CAF Champions League final in 2020, when Al Ahly defeated Zamalek 2-1 to clinch their ninth African crown.
“Of course, these matches are always intense, and this will be even tougher due to us playing our rivals, but we cannot let that distract us from our preparations. We need to play the occasion and not so much the opponent,” Ashour told CAF’s official website.
Ashour was part of Zamalek’s team for that Champions League final in 2020, but this time around he will be in the opposite camp, having joined Al Ahly (after a brief spell in Denmark) in 2023.
“Playing for Al Ahly surrounded by great footballers who help your quick integration into the team makes all the difference,” said the 26-year-old of his integration into a club he would have formerly considered an enemy.
“I don’t feel like a stranger, because these players give me the impression of being here since childhood, which is essential for a football player.”
Ashour will hope to defeat his old friends at Zamalek and break his bad luck in the Super Cup after losing the title last year to USMA of Algeria in his debut for the Red Eagles.
The two teams have only met once in the CAF Super Cup competition when Zamalek defeated Al Ahly 1-0 in Johannesburg in 1994, becoming the first Egyptian side to win the competition’s title.
The Verdict?
This Super Cup clash is sure to be a captivating spectacle of African football. With both teams brimming with talent, the match will be a fierce test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. One team will leave the pitch with a trophy, but regardless of the outcome, the 2024 CAF Super Cup promises to be a memorable event for fans of the beautiful game.
