Egyptian giants Al Ahly secured a record-extending 11th CAF Champions League title after a dramatic second-leg draw with Wydad Athletic Club in Casablanca on Sunday. Mohamed Abdelmoneim scored a 78th-minute header from an Ali Maaloul corner to level the game 1-1, giving Al Ahly a 3-2 aggregate victory following their 2-1 first-leg win in Cairo last weekend.
The match had appeared to be heading in Wydad’s favour after Yahya Attiat Allah’s 28th-minute free-kick gave the Moroccan side a 1-0 lead, which would have been enough to retain the trophy on away goals. However, Abdelmoneim’s decisive header ensured the Red Devils left the Stade Mohamed V Complex with the title.
The encounter was a tense North African derby, characterized by intense midfield battles and limited clear-cut chances. Wydad’s Ayoub El Amloud had an early opportunity in the 13th minute, but his shot was comfortably saved by returning Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
In the second half, Al Ahly pressed forward with substitutions bringing on Ahmed Abdelkader and Mohamed Magdy Afsha to inject energy and attacking impetus. Their persistence paid off when Abdelmoneim’s header in the 78th minute restored parity. In added time, Al Ahly nearly doubled their advantage when Abdelkader broke through Wydad’s defence, but Youssef El Motie made a brilliant double save.
Despite late pressure from Wydad, Al Ahly held firm to reclaim the continental crown, erasing the disappointment of last season when they lost the title 2-0 to the same Moroccan opponents in a single-leg final. The victory reinforces Al Ahly’s status as Africa’s most successful club in CAF Champions League history.
