The 2024 CAF Super Cup Final between Al Ahly and Zamalek, Egypt's fiercest football rivals, culminated in a thrilling penalty shootout victory for Zamalek.
The match, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the intense competition between these two giants of African football.
Al Ahly, the reigning CAF Champions League winners, entered the match as favorites, boasting an impressive record of 44 Egyptian league championships and four consecutive CAF Champions League titles. Under coach Marcel Koller, they had strengthened their squad with key signings like Moroccan World Cup semifinalist Yahia Attiyat Allah.
Zamalek, known as the "White Knights," came into the final as underdogs but with renewed determination. Despite a challenging season in the Egyptian Premier League, they had secured the CAF Confederation Cup, demonstrating their resilience. Coach Gomes had rejuvenated the squad with seven new signings, including promising Palestinian striker Omar Faraj.
CAF Supercup for Zamalek
The match lived up to its billing, ending in a 1-1 draw after regulation time. The tension peaked in the penalty shootout, where Zamalek emerged victorious with a 4-3 win. This victory marked a significant turnaround in the rivalry's recent history, as Al Ahly had dominated their African encounters, winning six out of ten previous matches.
This triumph adds a fifth CAF Super Cup title to Zamalek's trophy cabinet, while denying Al Ahly their ninth. The electrifying atmosphere at the sold-out Arena Stadium, filled with passionate Egyptian and Arab fans, provided a fitting backdrop for this memorable Cairo Derby on the continental stage.
Photo courtesy: CAF official website
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