CAF Champions League Final Second Leg Match Preview The second leg of the CAF Champions League final is set for Saturday in Cairo, promising a high-stakes encounter.
Reigning champions Al Ahly are favored to retain their title and secure their 12th championship. Under the guidance of Marcel Koller, Al Ahly has been formidable, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition and boasting 10 clean sheets.
The sole goal they have conceded came from Pacome Zouzoua during the group stage match against Yanga. Esperance Sportive de Tunis had a shaky start to the season but saw significant improvement after Miguel Cardoso took charge earlier in 2024. Like Al Ahly, they have also kept 10 clean sheets, with Al Hilal being the only team to breach their defense. Historically, Al Ahly has dominated this fixture with 12 victories compared to Esperance's four, and seven matches have ended in draws.
In their home encounters against Esperance, Al Ahly has won seven out of 12, while the Tunisian side has yet to secure a victory in Egypt. Al Ahly Team News Al Ahly will enter Saturday's match with nearly a full squad, except for Ali Maaloul, who was substituted early in the first leg in Rades. Goalkeeper El Shenaawy, absent since the 2023 AFCON, is also available.
Marcel Koller is expected to make one change to the lineup from the first leg in Tunisia, with Karim Fouad stepping in for the injured Maaloul. Esperance Sportive de Tunis Team News Esperance has traveled to Egypt with a fully fit squad. Miguel Cardoso is likely to stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to counterattack against the Egyptian side.
Probable Lineups
Al Ahly (4-3-3): - Goalkeeper: Oufa Shobeir - Defenders: Hany Mohammed, Ramy Rabia, Mohammed Abdelmonem, Karim Fouad - Midfielders: Tawfik Akram, Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya - Forwards: El Shahat, Antony Modeste, Percy Tau
Esperance Tunis (4-3-3): Goalkeeper: Memmiche - Defenders: Amine Tougai, Yassine Meriah, Ben Ali, Ben Hamida - Midfielders: Roger Aholou, Chaaleli - Attacking Midfielders: Yann Sasse, Teka, Ghacha - Striker: Rodrigo Rodrigues
Predictions
Al Ahly are strong favorites, especially with their passionate supporters behind them in Cairo.
However, Esperance has shown they can pull off surprises, as evidenced by their performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria. This final promises to be a thrilling contest.
