Al Ahly to face Esperance behind closed doors as CAF rejects appeal over fan ban

Al Ahly will be forced to play without their supporters in a crucial CAF Champions League clash after their appeal against a fan ban was rejected.

The Egyptian giants had appealed to the continental football governing body to overturn supporters ban ahead of the crucial quarterfinal return clash against Esperance this weekend.

But CAF has declined Al Ahly’s request, restricting fans from attending the highly-competitive fixture, to be held in Cairo.

Al Ahly had officially lodged a protest, insisting on their right to have the appeal heard before the Esperance encounter. However, the appeals body’s refusal to consider the case in time means the Red Devils must now prepare for the high-stakes showdown in an empty Cairo International Stadium.

The controversy stems from disciplinary action taken by Confederation of African Football, which sanctioned Al Ahly following incidents during their match against Morocco’s Royal Army. The ruling imposed a two-match fan ban—one of which was suspended—leaving the Egyptian club pushing for leniency ahead of one of their most important fixtures of the season.

The timing of the decision adds further pressure on Al Ahly, who trail 1-0 from the first leg in Tunis. Esperance’s victory marked their first win over the Egyptian side in eight years, dating back to their famous 3-0 triumph in the second leg of the 2018 CAF Champions League final.

Playing without fans is a significant blow for Al Ahly, whose home support has often been a decisive factor in continental competitions. The absence of the electric Cairo atmosphere could tilt the balance in favor of the Tunisian visitors as both sides battle for a place in the semi-finals.

With tensions rising and stakes at their highest, all eyes will now be on Saturday’s return leg—a clash not only defined by rivalry and history but also by the silence of empty stands.