The Egyptian football club Al Ahly is set to play its fifth match in Saudi Arabia within less than half a year, as they prepare to face off against their arch-rivals, Zamalek, in the Egyptian Cup final in Riyadh on Friday.
This time, Al Ahly moves from western Saudi Arabia to the capital Riyadh, where the highly anticipated clash against Zamalek will take place.
Back in mid-September last year, the city of Taif hosted the African Super Cup final at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium, featuring Al Ahly and Algeria’s USM Alger.
USM Alger secured victory with a clean goal.
Al Ahly, the champions of Africa, returned to Saudi Arabia in December for the Club World Cup, defeating Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad 3-1 at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as the “Jewel”.
However, they faced a 0-2 loss to Brazil’s Fluminense on the same ground.
Before leaving Jeddah, the Egyptian Reds triumphed over Japan’s Urawa 4-2 at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, securing the bronze medal.
Under the helm of Swiss coach Marcel Koller, the team played its three matches on December 15, 18, and 22.
A gap of 175 days, or five months and three weeks, separates Al Ahly’s participation in the African Super Cup and the Egyptian Cup finals.
