Under-pressure Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena has heaped praise on Al Ahly, calling the Egyptian powerhouse the benchmark for African football.
Widely known as the “Club of the Century,” Al Ahly has long been a dominant force on the continent, boasting a record 12 CAF Champions League titles — well ahead of rivals TP Mazembe and Zamalek, who each have five.
Despite strong challenges over the years from clubs like Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad themselves, Al Ahly continues to assert its superiority on the African stage.
Speaking to Tuttosport, as reported by Twaslnews, Mokwena, who is expected to leave Wydad at the end of the season, expressed deep admiration for the Cairo-based club.
“I’d rather say it’s a feeling of respect and admiration for what the club has achieved,” Mowena said.
“Al Ahly’s success is impressive, there’s no doubt about that.
“Al Ahly is a benchmark for all African clubs, and this proves that it’s possible to reach similar heights with stability and hard work,” he added.
Currently, Al Ahly is once again making a strong push in the CAF Champions League. They are set to take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the semi-finals after a goalless draw in the first encounter.
The Red Devils, alongside Wydad, Esperance, and Sundowns, have also secured their places at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States.
