CAF Champions League Final Preview: From Cape to Cairo; from North to South

Away from the ludicrous African Super League idea of Infantino and his puppet Motsepe, this is African Football in it’s truest form.

Africa has finally embraced the concept of a one legged continental cup final, thereby putting an end to the controversies a two legged affair springs up from time to time.

The choice of a viable venue to host Africa’s showpiece Club continental finals may continue to be a headache for the authorities governing football on the continent as the choice locations are limited to probably just ten or, maximum, fifteen nations.

With that aside, coupled with the controversies surrounding the television rights structure for African football, a final between clubs from two powerhouse leagues is a befitting way to conclude the season for the newly elected CAF Executives led by Patrice Motsepe.

The Stade Mohammed V in the beautiful city of Casablanca will host the 2021 instalment of Africa’s showpiece club football competition as nine-time champions Al Ahly seek to continue their domination of football on the club scene. The club of the century take on South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs, who have under achieved in the last few years, more or less in the shadows of eternal rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Egyptian giants aim for back to back wins under South African Coach Pitso Mosimane, who also has a title under his belt with Mamelodi Sundowns, there by aiming for a record third Champions League trophy with two different teams. An achievement like this will put him only behind a coaching legend of the African game and former Al Ahly Coach, Manuel Jose and will further enhance his stock to astronomical levels.

Kaizer Chiefs like earlier stated continue to live in the shadows of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns due to their success on the African continent. Amakhosi will be appearing in their first ever CAF Champions League final which would make for sweet reward if they succeed in Casablanca after a disappointing domestic season where they finished 8th in the PSL.

Two previous final appearances in the defunct Cup Winners Cup and CAF Confederations Cup is all the experience they have at this stage. Put that side by side with Al Ahly’s imperious record on the continent, there is no comparison.

Kaizer Chiefs have it all to do against the most successful side ever on the African continent. But it is doable considering the adversity they faced to get to this final.

Key Results en route to the Final

For every finals appearance, there are always games that propel a team to their success. Games where they stole victory from the jaws of defeat or, at least, they were able to salvage a draw. For Amakhosi, it had to be the games against Horaya in the group stage; where they came from behind twice to salvage a draw that ensured a better head to head against the Guineans.

In the knockout rounds, their ability to hold on away to Simba in Tanzania whilst three goals down with a four goal advantage on the line took a performance of unimaginable proportions and that win away to Wydad in the semi finals just made things a lot easier in the return leg in South Africa which ended goalless.

For defending champions Al Ahly it wasn’t as smooth a ride as they are usually used to. Finishing second in their group, behind Simba who they lost to. But the big result for the Egyptians has to be that victory away to AS Vita.

A visit to Pitso’s previous hunting ground at Mamelodi Sundowns. A home win in Cairo, and then a draw away in South Africa set the stage for a semi final clash with Esperance which they made light work of.

Key Players to look out for

Mohammed Sherif (Al Ahly)

The Egyptian is the current top scorer in the CAF Champions League this term and he is expected to deliver the goals that will seal victory for the Egyptian giants.

Samir Nurkovic (Kaizer Chiefs)

The Serbian has been the main source of goals for Amakhosi this season; Eighteen goals in all competitions sets him up as the man to watch as they go for their first Champions League success.

Whatever happens in Casablanca, we can rest assured that the football will tell the real African story and shine a light on the beautiful game away from the madness happening in the CAF boardroom.

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