Al Ahly Beat Zamalek to Take Home the CAF Champions League

Egyptian club Al Ahly Sporting Club has beaten rival club Zamalek Sporting Club 2-1 in a Cairo derby played at the Cairo International Stadium. The win saw Al Ahly win the 2020 CAF Champions League title and a $2.5 million prize. Al Ahly, however, were not seen to be the better football club as Zamalek had more possessions and more shots. Both teams showed excellent gameplay and the game was anyone’s game up to the last minute.

Amr El Solia Puts Al Ahly Ahead in the First 5 Minutes

Al Ahly led the scores in the first five minutes with a goal from Midfielder Amr El Solia before a Zamalek equalizer in the 31st minute by Shikabala. Solia’s goal was assisted by Mohamed Magdy who later went on to score Al Ahly’s winning goal in the 86th minute. Magdy’s goal was a superb finish and was superbly netted. Magdy immediately received a yellow card, however, after taking off his jersey in celebration. Magdy’s goal didn’t, however, outdo Shikabala’s equalizing goal.

Shikabala's Momentous Goal

Shikabala is the captain of Zamalek SC and netted a momentous goal after incredible individual play. He outsmarted several defenders before netting the ball. Al Ahly’s win comes just two months after bringing on board their new coach Pitso Mosimane. Mosimane has had a wonderful run winning the CAF Champions League after only two months at the club. Zamalek, under coach Jaime Pacheco, did a fantastic job and really gave Al Ahly a run for their money. The Cairo derby was definitely one for the history books. The win is the ninth CAF Champions League win for Al Ahly SC, who denied Zamalek a possible sixth title win.

Al Ahly vs Zamalek: CAF Champions League Final Held in Empty Stadiums

The game was played without fans in the stadium and all players and staff were tested pre-match in accordance with COVID-19 regulations. The game also ended peacefully and this was quite impressive as other Cairo derbies have unfortunately ended in fights or stampedes; to the extent that some fans have lost their lives in the past. Zamalek players and fans will be disappointed, but the team has had a good run this season and did very well to get to the CAF Champions League final.