The 33rd edition of the CAF Super Cup will be played at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of a fully packed 26,000 fans. Al Ahly,
The 33rd edition of the CAF Super Cup will be played at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in front of a fully packed 26,000 fans.
Al Ahly, winners of the 2023-24 CAF Champions League and Zamalek, winners of the 2023-24 CAF Confederation Cup are set to do an intense battle for glory on Friday night.
The two rivals have a combined twelve titles in the 32 years history of the competition. Al Ahly has won 8 while Zamalek has won 4.
The Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller ahead of the game praised their rivals Zamalek and revealed how big they are.
“The Super Cup will be played as a single match, and it is crucial for us to win it,” Koller stated. “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,” said Koller.
Seifeddine Jaziri’s brace helped Zamalek defeat Al ahly 2-1 in Week 10 of the 2023-24 Egyptian Premier League. The White Knights will aim for same scoreline as they are determined to lift the teophy per their head coach, Jose Gomes.
In the press conference, Gomes said: “We are up against a big team with many great players, but we are also a big team with quality players.
“Our preparation is focused on winning, and everyone is ready, whether in the starting lineup or on the bench. We are a better team than last season.
“Each player knows their role. Every team has its own style, and the small details will decide the game. I am happy to be here in Saudi Arabia.”
Zamalek lost 2-0 to Emam Ashour and Afsha Magdi’s goals in the Egypt Cup finals in March 2024 and Gomes thinks it’s time to revenge to boost their confidence.
“We lost the Egypt Cup final to Al Ahly last season, so winning the CAF Super Cup would boost our confidence heading into a long season,” Gomes said.
Al Ahly was shockingly beaten 1-0 by USM Alger in the 2023 edition through Belaid Zineddine’s 43rd minute penalty. Marcel Koller’s charges will try to avoid a back to back defeat in a cup final as it is not in their DNA.
A feisty contest is expected in Riyadh but Al Ahly stands as the favourite.
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