Today’s the big day. The final of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League is happening in Cairo, Egypt. Here’s a quick rundown:
What’s the Big Deal?
The CAF Champions League is Africa’s premier club football competition, like the Champions League in Europe. It’s run by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) every year. Winning this tournament is a huge honour, making the champion the best club team in Africa.
When is the 2023/24 Champions League final?
The two-legged final of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League will take place on May 18th and May 25th, 2024.
What is the format of the final?
The CAF Champions League final is contested over two legs, with each club playing one home and one away match. The team that scores the most goals on aggregate over the two legs is crowned the champion.
Which teams are competing in the 2023/24 final?
The finalists are Espérance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia and Al Ahly SC from Egypt.
Where will the final matches be played?
The first leg will be held on May 18th at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis, Tunisia. The second leg will take place on May 25th at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
What are the kick-off times for the matches?
The first leg in Tunis kicks off at 16:00 GMT on May 18. The second leg in Cairo has a 17:00 GMT kick-off time on May 25.
What is the prize money for the finalists?
The Champions League winners will receive $4 million in prize money, while the runners-up will get $2 million from CAF.
What is the history of the two clubs winning this title?
Espérance have won the Champions League 4 times, most recently in 2019 when they won back-to-back titles. Al Ahly are the most successful club with 11 Champions League triumphs, last winning in 2023.
Who are the two head coaches?
Miguel Cardoso is the Espérance head coach, while Marcel Koller leads Al Ahly.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Espérance, midfielder Yan Sasse and goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche have been outstanding. Al Ahly’s key players are striker Hussein El Shahat and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Any other key facts and figures?
This is the 23rd meeting between the clubs in the Champions League, with Al Ahly leading the head-to-head 10-8.
Both teams are aiming to become the first club to achieve 9 straight clean sheets in the competition.
Esperance beat Ahly 4-3 on aggregate in the 2018 final, their last meeting in the title decider.
What are the historic winners of this competition?
Al Ahly are the most successful club with 11 titles. After that it’s Zamalek and TP Mazembe with 5 championships each.
Source: CAF