Bragging rights are up for grabs in this evening’s CAF Super Cup final between Egyptian old foes Al Ahly and Zamalek SC who lock horns at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Red Devils, who not so long ago bagged their 4th CAF Champions League title in succession, are hoping to clinch their 9th CAF Super Cup accolade while Zamalek, the reigning CAF Confederations Cup champions, will be out to upset their fiercest rivals and clinch their 5th Super Cup title.
Ahly head coach Marcel Koller is looking forward to tonight’s tough class, emphasizing that winning the Super Cup is part of their targets for the current campaign.
“The Super Cup will be played as a single match, and it is crucial for us to win it,” Koller said ahead of the match.
“We have several motivations at the start of the season to claim this title. There is no difference between playing against Zamalek on a national or African stage, as they are a prestigious team and a formidable opponent.”
Their opponents, via their attacking midfielder Ahmed Mostafa Sayed are hoping to make it a proud on Friday night for their adoring fans.
“Not only is this one of the most important trophies to win in Africa, but it involves two arch-rivals that have a rich history in African football,” he said.
“We want to deliver a high-quality match that shines a spotlight on Egyptian football. Portuguese coach José Gomes and his staff are working hard with us to prepare for this challenge. It will require a lot of mental toughness. We can prepare well tactically but mental toughness will be key in such a match.”
Here’s how they line up:
Al Ahly Starting XI: El Shenawy, Ramy Rabia, Yasser, Hany, Yahia, Marawan, Akram, Emam, El Shahat, Tau, Wessam
Subs: Abdelwehed, Soliman, Slim, Dari, El Solia, Moursy, Mahmoud, Shoubir, Abdelaal
Zamalek Starting XI: Moussa, Bentayg, Gaber, Abdelsalam, Shalaby, Elmahdy, Mohamed, El Hamaed, Mathlouthi, Sayed, Haziri
Subs: Ez Zanary, El Sayed, Fadlalla, Faraj, Mahmoud, Michalak, Badawy, Abdelsalam
The action will be LIVE from 20:00 tonight on SABC Sport Channel on DTT Channel 4, SABC + App, or here.