TUNIS — Between them, Egyptian club Al Ahly and Espérance de Tunis of Tunisia have won the eight times — Al Ahly have a record six of those, while the defending champions Espérance have twice lifted the African football club crown.
Report by Fifa.com
Tomorrow, the two will contest the first of the two-legged final to determine which of the clubs will have bragging rights for a year. With the winner being granted a place in the Fifa Club World Cup, the stakes are upped considerably.
It will only be the second match in Egypt played in front of fans since the Port Said tragedy in February, during which dozens of football fans died after a game between Al Masry and Al Ahly.
Not surprisingly, the tragedy is something that is close to the heart of the Al Ahly players and they have said they want to win the continental title for their fans who died.
“We’ll do our best to win the title and dedicate it to the souls of our fans who lost their lives in Port Said.
Along our campaign we were affected negatively by playing behind closed doors and now that we have our supporters back, they’re going to strengthen our side going into such an important fixture,” said Egyptian international striker Emad Meteab, adding: “Having our supporters back strengthens us.
Definitely this is going to be a very tough game, but all we are thinking about is the trophy. We know well the nature of the encounters between Egyptian and Tunisian clubs. We respect Espérance, but we’re not afraid of them.”
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Al Ahly, who last won the competition in 2008, will be without left back Sayed Moawad, who is suffering from a foot injury. He could though, be back in time for the return leg on November 17 in Tunis.
