Egypt’s Al Ahly will tackle a significant challenge as they go head-to-head with TP Mazembe of Congo in the first leg of the CAF Champions League semi-finals at TP Mazembe Stadium today at 3:00 pm. The Egyptian club, under Swiss coach Marcel Koller, is aiming to capture its twelfth African title and second consecutive championship.
The second leg of the semi-finals is scheduled for next Friday, April 26, at 9 PM at Cairo International Stadium. The victor will advance to face the winner between Esperance de Tunis and Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the competition.
The game's officiating team is led by Burundian referee Pacific Ndabihawenimana, supported by assistant referees Gerson Emilio dos Santos from Angola and Eric Ayimavo from Benin. Benin's Louis Djengodo serves as the fourth official. The VAR team includes Ghanaian Daniel Laria and Rwandan Salima Mukansanga.
Al Ahly's campaign this season started impressively, eliminating Saint George of Ethiopia in both legs of their initial matchup. They maintained strong performances throughout the group stages, securing points against Young Africans of Tanzania and CR Belouizdad. They topped their group and advanced from the quarter-finals by defeating Simba SC without conceding a goal.
Conversely, TP Mazembe began their tournament run by overcoming Malawi's Nyasa Big Bullets. Despite an initial loss to Pyramids FC in the group stage, Mazembe bounced back with victories over Mamelodi Sundowns and Nouadhibou, and dominated Pyramids in their rematch, ensuring their advancement to the later stages.
This match is not just a pivotal moment for Al Ahly in their quest to defend their title but also showcases the resilience and competitive spirit of African club football at its finest.
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