Former Tunisia boss Nabil Maaloul forecasts increased interest in CAF Confederation Cup

Former Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul expects the CAF Confederation Cup to attract increased attention this season, with the participation of several prominent African clubs set to raise the competition’s profile

Maaloul believes the presence of established continental sides, including Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Morocco’s Raja Casablanca and Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, will generate greater interest among football supporters across the continent.

Al Ahly have qualified for the group stage after defeating Uganda’s Kitara 6-1 on aggregate, adding another heavyweight name to a competition expected to feature several ambitious clubs.

Speaking to Modern TV, Maaloul explained that the involvement of teams traditionally associated with the CAF Champions League would encourage more supporters to follow the Confederation Cup this season.

“This season’s Confederation Cup will have more followers because of the participation of big teams that used to play in the African Champions League,” he said.

The Tunisian tactician identified Al Ahly, CR Belouizdad, USM Alger, Al Ahly Tripoli, CS Sfaxien and Morocco’s FAR Rabat among the notable teams expected to make the tournament highly competitive.

“There are big teams in the Confederation such as Al-Ahly, CR Belouizdad, USM Alger, Al-Ahly Tripoli, CS Sfaxien, and FAR Rabat. The competition will be very fierce, and it is possible that the Confederation matches will be stronger than the African Champions League matches,” Maaloul added.

Despite anticipating an intense Confederation Cup campaign, the former Tunisia coach maintained that the CAF Champions League remains Africa’s leading club competition in terms of technical quality and physical demands.

He argued that the Champions League retains its position at the top of African club football, even when major sides such as Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic Club are absent.

“The African Champions League is the highest and strongest tournament technically and physically, even in the absence of big teams like Al-Ahly, Sundowns and Wydad, but it remains in first place at all levels,” he stated.

Maaloul also disclosed that he continues to follow Egyptian football, revealing that he watched Al Ahly’s recent draw against Al-Qanah and followed highlights of the match.

He has also been monitoring Zamalek’s recent fixtures and some of Pyramids FC’s matches, underlining his continued interest in the Egyptian domestic game.

With several established African clubs competing for continental honours, Maaloul expects the Confederation Cup to enjoy greater visibility and attract more followers as the race for the trophy intensifies.