Zamalek secured the 2024 CAF Super Cup title with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over their fierce rivals, Al Ahly, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday evening. The match, held at the Kingdom Arena, ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Zamalek prevailing 4-3 in the shootout to lift the prestigious trophy.
The Super Cup, in its 33rd edition, is an annual one-off match that pits the winners of the CAF Champions League against the CAF Confederation Cup champions.
The competition, first contested in 1993, has become a highlight of African club football.
Zamalek’s triumph marks their fifth Super Cup title and their first since 2020.
With this win, they extend Egypt’s dominance in the competition, taking the nation’s total Super Cup victories to 13.
The match itself was a tense and closely fought affair.
Al Ahly, the reigning Champions League winners, struck first just before half-time.
Wessam About Ali found the back of the net in the 44th minute, giving the Red Eagles a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Zamalek, however, refused to back down and mounted sustained pressure in the second half.
Their perseverance paid off in the 76th minute when Nasr Mansi equalised, setting up a dramatic finish.
With no further goals in regular time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout.
Al Ahly, who have been dominant on the continental stage in recent years, faltered under pressure, missing two of their five spot-kicks.
Zamalek, in contrast, displayed composure and clinical precision, converting all four of their penalties to secure a 4-3 victory.
The win is a significant achievement for Zamalek, who have now claimed their fifth CAF Super Cup title.
It is a momentous victory for the White Knights, especially given the fierce rivalry with Al Ahly, Africa’s most successful club.
For Al Ahly, the disappointment of defeat will be short-lived, as they have a chance to redeem themselves later this month when they compete in the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
The Red Eagles will face UAE’s Al Ain in Cairo on October 29 as Africa’s representatives in the newly revamped version of the Club World Cup.
Both Zamalek and Al Ahly will now turn their attention to the upcoming draws for the group stages of their respective continental competitions.
Zamalek will be eager to see their path in the CAF Confederation Cup, while Al Ahly look to continue their dominance in the CAF Champions League.
The draws are set to take place on Monday, 7 October, as both Egyptian giants prepare for another season of intense competition on the African stage.
