Al Ahly won the African Champions League

Posted : 12 June 2023

In a thrilling showdown, Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly secured a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the African Champions League final on Sunday. With a 3-2 aggregate scoreline, they clinched the title against reigning champions Wydad Casablanca from Morocco.

Defender Mohamed Abdelmoneim played a pivotal role in the decisive moment, redirecting a corner from Ali Maaloul into the net with just 13 minutes remaining. The ball sailed over the home defense and nestled into the corner, granting the Cairo-based club their record-extending 11th championship.

Having suffered a 2-1 defeat in the first leg in Cairo the previous Sunday, Wydad appeared to be on track to win on the away goals rule. Fullback Yahya Attiat Allah had handed the home team the lead with a 27th-minute free kick, igniting the hopes of the expectant 50,000-strong crowd at Casablanca's Mohamed V Stadium.

Wydad had aimed to cap off a dream season for Moroccan football, following the remarkable achievements of their national team in reaching the World Cup semifinals in December. However, Al Ahly reaffirmed their status as Africa's top club by avenging their loss to Wydad in last year's final.

Al Ahly has now claimed more than double the number of titles in Africa's premier club competition compared to their closest competitors. This final appearance marked their fourth consecutive and sixth in the last seven editions.

Abdelmoneim's decisive goal arrived just as time was running out, catching Wydad off guard while they seemed firmly in control.

Wydad's goal came through Attiat Allah's free kick, which eluded both attackers and defenders in the penalty area before finding the back of the net. Striker Mohamed Ounajem initially attempted to claim a touch, but after reviewing television replays, officials credited the goal to the fullback.

Sunday's final was a typical intense encounter, marked by gamesmanship, frequent disputes with the referee, and some reckless tackles. The deafening noise from Wydad's passionate fans created an intimidating atmosphere, reaching eardrum-piercing decibel levels.

The match experienced a temporary halt midway through the second half due to smoke from flares set off in the stands. Once the game resumed amidst a green haze, both teams continued their battle.

This season's final returned to the traditional two-legged format after three editions decided by a single match. In last year's decider, Wydad had emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Al Ahly in Casablanca.

Al Ahly won the African Champions League

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