The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-finals are set to deliver a blockbuster clash as South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and Egypt’s Al Ahly lock horns in a battle of legacy, tactics, and continental supremacy. This fixture, a recurring highlight of African football, pits South Africa’s modern innovators against Egypt’s timeless giants, with both teams vying for a place in the final and a chance to etch their names deeper into history.
Mamelodi Sundowns, under Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso, navigated a challenging group stage with defensive discipline, conceding just three goals in eight matches.
Their quarter-final victory over Tunisia’s Esperance showcased their resilience, advancing via a tense 0-0 aggregate draw and penalty shootout triumph.
For Sundowns, the Champions League remains a priority after a recent Nedbank Cup exit, fueling their hunger for a second continental title since 2016.
Al Ahly, the defending champions and record 12-time winners, advanced with typical efficiency. Despite stuttering in Egypt’s Premier League, Marcel Koller’s side edged past Sudan’s Al-Hilal Omdurman in the quarters, leaning on their trademark big-game pedigree.
Fitness concern
Sundowns face setbacks with forwards Lebo Mothiba and Siyabonga Mabena ruled out, while key midfielder Themba Zwane remains a doubt.
Cardoso emphasized caution, stating, “We won’t compromise players’ fitness for short-term gains,” hinting at squad rotation ahead of the second leg.
Al Ahly arrives with concerns of their own: left-backs Attiat Allah and Karim El Debes picked up injuries in domestic play, weakening their defensive flank.
Koller’s controversial decision to exclude veteran Ali Maâloul from the squad adds intrigue, testing their depth in Pretoria’s hostile environment.
This clash doubles as a tactical duel between Cardoso’s European-inspired pragmatism and Koller’s seasoned mastery. Cardoso has reshaped Sundowns into a compact unit, relying on midfield maestros Marcelo Allende and Teboho Mokoena to control tempo.
Conversely, Koller’s Al Ahly thrives on experience, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Wessam Abou Ali anchoring a squad steeped in continental success.
Cardoso, who lost the 2023 final to Al Ahly while coaching Esperance, seeks redemption: “This isn’t just a semi-final—it’s about proving our evolution”
Koller, under pressure amid rumors of Pitso Mosimane’s potential return, remains unfazed: “History matters, but this is about the present”.
The fixture’s history crackles with intensity. Sundowns’ iconic 5-0 thrashing of Al Ahly in 2019 remains a watershed moment, but the Egyptians retaliated with back-to-back eliminations in 2021 and 2022.
Recent meetings, however, favor Sundowns: they are unbeaten in seven encounters, including a 1-0 group-stage win this season.
For Al Ahly, Cairo’s fortress-like aura has been pivotal—they’ve kept clean sheets in all three home knockout games against Sundowns.
Yet Sundowns aim to “bury the ghost of Cairo” by securing a decisive first-leg advantage at Loftus Versfeld, where they’ve won four of seven H2H matches.
Sundowns chase a second star to cement their status as Africa’s new aristocracy, while Al Ahly seeks a 13th title to reaffirm their dynastic reign.
With Peter Shalulile’s clinical edge (4 goals this campaign) facing off against Al Ahly’s tactical rigor, this semi-final transcends sport—it’s a clash of identity, ambition, and continental pride.
As the whistle blows on April 19, expect fireworks. For these titans, the path to glory is paved with history, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
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