CAF Champions League
Days to the opening matches, CAF Champions League clubs bolster squads in transfer window
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2023-24 CAF Champions League, set to commence on Friday, teams across the continent have been working diligently in the transfer market to bolster their squads in preparation for the competition.
Leading the charge is record champions Al Ahly SC, who have spared no expense to enhance their line-up.
The Egyptian powerhouse has invested approximately US$3.5 million in securing the talents of midfielder Emam Ashour from Danish club FC Midtjylland and Reda Slim from AS FAR Rabat, further solidifying their already formidable team.
Meanwhile, South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns have made strategic acquisitions, including Brazilian midfielder Lucas Ribeiro Costa from Belgian club SK Beveren. Additionally, they’ve welcomed Argentinian attacker Mendieta Junior from Stellenbosch FC, strengthening their offensive options.
Wydad AC, not to be outdone, has signed Libya international forward Hamdou Elhouni, who left Esperance de Tunis after the expiration of his contract. This move aims to bolster Wydad AC’s attacking prowess and elevate their chances in the competition.
Esperance de Tunis, another heavyweight contender, has been proactive in the transfer window, adding Brazilian duo Yan Sasse and Rodrigo Rodrigues Silva to their ranks. Algerian midfielder Houssam Ghacha has also joined the team from Turkish club Antalyaspor, adding depth to their midfield lineup.
Pyramids FC, embarking on their debut in the CAF Champions League, has made waves with their ambitious signings. They’ve secured DR Congo striker Fiston Kalala Mayele from Young Africans SC, a significant move that reflects their determination to make a mark on the continental stage.
In addition, Pyramids FC has invested heavily to secure the talents of Mahmoud Marei, Mohanad Lasheen, and Mostafa Fathi from Future FC and Al Taawou, collectively spending over US$3 million on reinforcements.
Simba SC, another contender in the tournament, has bolstered their squad by acquiring Che Fondoh Malone Jr. However, the team faces the potential departure of Fabrice Luamba Ngoma to Al Hilal, while Luis Miquissone is reportedly linked with a move to Al Ahly SC.
Young Africans SC, in their pursuit of success, have also been active in the transfer market. They’ve secured the signatures of Pacome Zouzoua from ASEC Mimosas, Uganda international defender Gift Fred, and Hafiz Wontah Konkoni, a replacement for the departed Kalala Mayele.
Completing the landscape, Ghanaian champions Medeama SC have welcomed Zimbabwe international forward Kudakwashe Mahachi to their roster as they embark on their debut campaign in the CAF Champions League.
With the diverse array of high-profile transfers and strategic moves, the upcoming tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of football excellence and fierce competition.
-Cafonline
Egypt’s Pyramids claimed a deserved 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa. This led to a 3-2 aggregate success. They celebrated their first African Champions League title. This triumph occurred following the second leg of this year’s final at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday.
The first leg in Pretoria finished 1-1. Fiston Mayele gave Pyramids the lead on 23 minutes. He profited from a Sundowns defensive error. Ahmed Samy doubled the advantage on 56 minutes. He scored with a header from a free-kick.
Sundowns pulled a goal back through Iqraam Rayners with 15 minutes remaining. One more goal would have given them victory in the tie on the away goals rule. However, Pyramids held firm despite heavy pressure from the visitors.
Pyramids are the fourth Egyptian side to lift the Champions League trophy after record 12-time winners Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Ismaily. Meanwhile, 2016 champions Sundowns head to this month’s Club World Cup in the United States on a low note.
-Reuters
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- 1. Pyramids aim to become the first new CAF Champions League winner since Sundowns (2016), the 13th in the modern era, and the 27th overall.
- 2. This is the 19th Champions League-era final featuring an Egyptian club. Previous teams (Al Ahly 10, Zamalek 1) have won 11 titles.
- 3. Including the pre-Champions League era, this is the 29th final for an Egyptian club, with 18 wins and 10 losses.
- 4. Pyramids have played only 1 of their last 9 matches at home but are unbeaten in their last 23 home games this season (W19 D4) and last 28 overall (W24 D4).
- 5. Pyramids scored in 22 of 23 home games this season; the only blank was a 0-0 draw vs Al Masry.
- 6.This season, they’ve won all 7 home matches, scoring 26 and conceding 6, with one clean sheet. In total, they’ve lost just 1 of 11 home matches in the competition.
- 7. Fiston Mayele leads with 8 goals in 12 matches (5 since group stage); Ibrahim Adel has 6 (also 5 post-group stage).
- 8. Ramadan Sobhi has 5 assists in 9 games (joint-most), plus 2 goals. He’s had major impact off the bench twice.
- 9. Askary Chibi has created 20 chances since the group stage — the most for Pyramids.
- 10. Pyramids have kept 3 clean sheets this season, all away, but remain dominant at home
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- 1. Sundowns are in their third CAF Champions League final (2001, 2016, 2024).
- 2. South African Record: First South African club to reach three finals, surpassing Orlando Pirates (2).
- 3. Sundowns hosted the first leg in all three finals. In 2001, they drew 1-1 at home and lost 2-0 away to Al Ahly.
- 4. Sundowns beat Zamalek 3-0 at home, lost 1-0 away, and won 3-1 on aggregate.
- 5. Sundowns have never scored in an away leg of a Champions League final, conceding five in total.
- 6. The current final marks the second time Sundowns led at home and failed to win (also in 2001).
- 7. A defeat would make Sundowns the first South African side to lose two finals.
- 8. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 10 matches vs Egyptian opposition (4wins and 6 draws).
- 9. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 4 visits to Egypt (2 wins and 2 draws).
- 10. A win would make Sundowns the first team since Al Ahly (2012) to win the title after failing to win the home leg.
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