CAF CL Preview: Wydad aim to overturn deficit against Al Ahly as two of Africa’s undisputed giants lock horns in Morocco

The battle for African club supremacy between Wydad Casablanca and Al Ahly will continue in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, scheduled to be held at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on the evening of Sunday, June 11, 2023.

In the first leg at the Cairo International Stadium last weekend, Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Goals from Percy Tau and Mahmoud Kahraba gave the Red Devils a commanding lead, but a late away goal by Saifeddine Bouhra gave Wydad a lifeline.

Interestingly, a 1-0 win would be enough for the Red Castle to claim victory on the away goals rule. Al Ahly is aware that Stade Mohamed V holds mixed memories for them, as they won the 2020-21 CAFCL at the stadium but suffered a 2-0 defeat there against Wydad in the following season’s title match.

Wydad coach Sven Vandenbroeck emphasized the significance of their away goal: “It can be a big advantage in seven days. I think we can be very happy with a 2-1 score,” said the Belgian.

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“At 2-0, you think you’re dead, but with an away goal, it opens all the doors. I’m very happy with what we did as a group. Everyone who was given a chance to play performed their role well. This is a very united group, and we played as a team. I hope we can be rewarded with the title [on Sunday].”

Wydad Casablanca aims to secure back-to-back CAF Champions League titles for the first time in their history and claim their fourth continental crown overall.

Al Ahly, on the other hand, is chasing a record-extending 11th Champions League title and their third in the span of four seasons. Coach Marcel Koller believes his team will nullify Wydad’s away goal and emerge as champions.

“We did not lose, and I am certain we are able to score a goal in Morocco which will give us a good advantage for a positive result,” said the Swiss tactician.

“I am delighted with the victory [in the first leg]. The final is always difficult because it is a meeting between the two best teams on the continent. We performed well as a team and deserved the victory. I trust in my players that we can win the title.”

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

Kick-off is set for 7pm GMT.