CAF Champions League reigning champions, Al Ahly are looking at extending their dominance on the continent with a record extending 12th time.
The Egyptian giants lifted Africa’s most sought-after trophy for the 11th time last season and as they prepare to face Tanzanian giants, Simba AC in the quarter-final match on Friday, they will have a 12th title in sight.
It will not be an easy encounter in Dar Es Salaam where they will be up against a hard running Simba SC side that will be buoyed by the highly vocal Tanzanian supporters.
This article will explore intriguing insights about one of Africa’s largest football clubs.
Brief History
Al Ahly was founded in 1907 and is one of the oldest football clubs on the continent. The club commands a large following in Egypt and select Arab countries who always come out in their numbers when the club is competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
They were recently named the Club of the Century for their resounding and consistent success on the continent.
Achievements
Al-Ahly Club has won the Egyptian Premier League title 43 times which is the highest ever in Egyptian football. They also have 38 Egyptian Cups titles and 14 Egyptian Super Cups gold medals.
Continental Success
The Club of the Century boasts 11 CAF Champions League titles, a single CAF Confederation Cup as well as eight CAF Super Cup titles. Making them the most successful football club in CAF Inter-Club competitions.
Coach: Marcel Kohler
Swiss-born Marcel Kohler has done exceptionally well at the pressure filled Al Ahly coaching seat. At age 63, Kohler boasts wealth of experience of the game, with a coaching career that dates all the way back to 1997 with stints at various clubs in Austria that have eventually led him to the biggest club on the continent.
Key player: Hussein Al-Shahat
Hussein El-Shahat is considered one of the most prominent players in the Egyptian Premier league and one of the key players for coach, Marcel Kohler. Possessing great speed and tactical awareness with a never-say-die attitude, the winger will certainly be key in Ahly quest for a 12th title.
Source: CAF