CAF CL Preview: Wydad AC battle Al Ahly for supremacy

Al Ahly will be aiming to add another chapter to their illustrious CAF Champions League history as they head into the second leg of the final against Wydad Casablanca, scheduled to take place at Stade Mohamed V on the evening of Sunday, June 11, 2023.

In the first leg at Cairo International Stadium, Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Goals from Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba gave the Red Devils a commanding position in the tie, but a late away goal from Saifeddine Bouhra revived Wydad Casablanca’s hopes.

The away goal has provided Wydad with a glimmer of hope, as they now require just a 1-0 win to secure victory on the away goals rule. Stade Mohamed V holds mixed memories for Al Ahly, as they celebrated their CAFCL triumph in the 2020-21 season but were also defeated 2-0 by Wydad in the subsequent season’s title match.

Wydad coach Sven Vandenbroeck recognizes the significance of the away goal and believes it can be a major advantage in the upcoming clash. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and emphasized their unity, hoping to be rewarded with the title.

For Wydad Casablanca, winning back-to-back CAFCL titles would be a historic achievement, while Al Ahly is chasing their 11th continental crown and a third title in four seasons. Coach Marcel Koller is confident that his team can nullify Wydad’s away goal and emerge as champions. He expressed delight with their victory in the first leg, acknowledging the challenge of facing the continent’s top teams and trusting in his players’ ability to secure the title.

The match in Casablanca will be officiated by Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa.