Al Ahly will host Mamelodi Sundowns at Cairo International Stadium this Friday, with a place in the CAF Champions League final on the line.
The semi-final second leg kicks off at 4:00 PM GMT, as both teams look to secure a spot in the coveted final.
The first leg in Pretoria, South Africa, ended in a goalless draw, leaving the tie finely poised heading into the return fixture. Mamelodi Sundowns, having failed to capitalize on home advantage, will now travel to Egypt with the intent to make amends and push for a crucial victory.
Al Ahly, the Egyptian giants, are no strangers to high-stakes encounters in the CAF Champions League, having won the competition a record 12 times.
Their most recent success came in last year’s edition, where they claimed their second consecutive title. Despite their dominance in the competition, the Red Devils face a challenging road to securing a 13th title, with Sundowns standing in their way.
Mamelodi Sundowns, under the management of Miguel Cardoso, have enjoyed a successful campaign so far, notably eliminating last season’s finalists, Esperance de Tunis, in the quarter-finals.
The South African side will need to show resilience and determination in Cairo, as they aim to upset the defending champions and advance to their first-ever CAF Champions League final.
The stakes could not be higher for both sides. Al Ahly, with their rich history in the competition, are determined to continue their dominance, having reached the final in seven of the last eight editions.
Meanwhile, Sundowns are eager to prove their worth on the continental stage, seeking their first-ever Champions League triumph.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intense clash, the outcome will determine who progresses to the final and who must settle for another season of near misses.
The match will be a test of character, experience, and tactical nous, as Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns battle for the ultimate prize in African club football.
