20 - 26 December 2001
Issue No.565
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Al-Ahram Weekly Online 20 - 26 December 2001 Issue No.565 |
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The crown waits
The African Champions League trophy was last spotted in Cairo 14 years ago. Millions want to see it again. Alaa Shahine sizes up their chances
Egyptian giants Ahli are poised to lift the elusive African Champions League trophy when they host South Africa's Sundowns in the second leg of the continent's premier competition tomorrow at Cairo Stadium.
Wael Riad might be back in Ahli's lineup for tomorrow's African final after a one-match ban came to an end (Photo: Amr Gamal)
The first leg, played a fortnight ago in Pretoria, saw the famed Egyptian side, selected Africa's club of the century, come away with a precious 1- 1 tie after falling behind after the half.
They now need only a scoreless draw or a win by any margin at what is expected to be a sold-out Cairo Stadium to recapture the title which they last won in 1987 when they eclipsed Sudanese side Al- Hilal. Since then, Ahli have failed to get past the quarter- finals.
However, the arrival of Portuguese coach Manuel Jose brought fresh ideas at the helm and new faces in the squad. They edged Eritrea's Red Sea in the first round, before storming past lowly Saint Michel of the Seychelles in round 16. In the mini-league stage, the two-time winners of the competition came second in Group B behind surprise package Petro Atletico of Angola, registering precious road victories against the Angolan outfit and Algeria's Chebab Blouizdad. Against pre-tournament favorites Esperance of Tunisia in the semi-finals they won on the away goals rule to nip the North African powerhouse.
But for all of Jose's soccer savvy, Ahli had not been expected to get this far for they have too many raw names aboard whose lack of big-game experience was thought to be a liability. That scenario never materialised as the youngsters time and again proved their worth in the crunch.
Ahli players will walk into cavernous Cairo Stadium with history heavily in their favour. Since 1977, the club has won 40 times in the Champions League, drawn four and lost only twice, boasting a 127-20 goal tally. Sundowns will be making their first appearance in the final.
But Jose dismissed the past, warning his players about being over-confident. "We still have 90 minutes to play against a tough opponent," he told reporters.
Jose, former boss of top Portuguese sides Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, was forced to call off a practice two days before Ahli's 1-0 domestic league victory over Sohag on Friday, claiming the players were not following his instructions, a fact that worries this often mercurial coach.
"We have to be very focused in order to bring the title back to Cairo," Jose said. "Winning the trophy will make all Egyptians happy, not only Ahli fans, and I hope the players will fight on the pitch to win." Jose, whose career has spanned 25 years, made no secret that he was out for personal glory. "I collected many titles but I will be delighted to add another to my resumé."
The visitors take on Ahli with a modest goal-scoring record. Attacking partners Simba Marumo and Carlo Scott have managed to score just one goal apiece in their last eight African games. The team's strength lies in their midfield, with the inspirational presence of Bennett Mnguni, Charles Motlohi and Zambian international Gift Kempamba who scored Sundown's lone goal against Ahli in the first leg.
Rumanian coach Ted Dumitru believes Sundowns has a fighting chance but told Reuters he did not have the calibre of players he needed. "The problem is who will be able to turn the game our way," Dumitru said.
Sundowns finished second in their group following the mini- league stage behind Esperance before beating Petro Atletico in the semis on penalties after both sides exchanged identical 2-0 home victories.
The winner of tomorrow's showdown will pocket $1 million in prize money. The bridesmaid will walk out $700,000 richer.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Confederation of African Football President Essa Hayatou are expected to be in the stands.
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