As 2023 draws to a close, it marks a triumphant year for Al Ahly’s football team, boasting numerous achievements on local, continental, and global stages throughout various competitions and tournaments.
Al Ahly, ever eager for championships, consistently ascended the podiums, aiming to satiate the ambitions of its fervent fans, always desiring to witness their team adorned with local and continental laurels.
Marcel Koller, the Swiss head coach of Al Ahly’s football team, stands among the happiest as he successfully asserted himself, securing several titles during his tenure with the club.
The year saw Al Ahly clinch four titles, in addition to their recent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup where they secured the third position and the bronze medal – the fourth in the history of the club’s participation in the Club World Cup.
In the lines that follow, we recount the tournaments Al Ahly claimed in 2023, as well as those that eluded them.
Al Ahly’s 2023 Triumphs: 5 Titles and a Bronze
Marcel Koller guided Al Ahly to four championships this year, encompassing both domestic and continental realms, making 2023 a jubilant year for all enthusiasts of the Red Castle.
The first trophy that Al Ahly claimed this year was the Egyptian Premier League, amassing 83 points, a comfortable 10-point lead over the runner-up, Pyramids FC.
The Red Devils secured the Egyptian Super Cup against Pyramids FC, held in the UAE, specifically in Al Ain at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
Al Ahly’s third triumph was the Egypt Cup, overcoming Pyramids FC to secure their third trophy of the year.
The fourth, and perhaps the most prestigious for Al Ahly’s fans, was the continental title.
The team clinched the CAF Champions League by defeating Wydad Casablanca.
Al Ahly emerged victorious in the first leg with a scoreline of 2-1, and despite a 1-1 draw in the return leg, they secured the title.
In the waning days of 2023, the first football team of Al Ahly triumphed in the newly formatted Egyptian Super Cup, defeating Future FC 4-2 in the final.
Al Ahly’s Losses in 2023
On another note, Al Ahly fell short in their quest for the African Super Cup, suffering a defeat at the hands of Algerian side USM Alger in a match held at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The African Super Cup wasn’t the only competition where Al Ahly faced setbacks. They also bowed out of the CAF Super Cup in the semi-finals against the resilient Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite winning the first leg 5-2, the return leg ended in a 2-2 draw.
Marcel Koller, the head coach, decided to grant the players an extended break due to the intense match schedule and recent travels abroad.
The players will enjoy a 14-day leave before resuming training.
The first training session for Al Ahly after the break is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, with all players participating except those on international duty.
Koller has instructed his coaching staff to prepare for two friendly matches immediately after the break to test new elements and integrate youth prospects into the first-team squad.
Koller met with the planning committee to finalize the departures and new signings before heading abroad for the New Year holiday with his family.
