Arab Teams Dominate 2019 Continental Titles

H-Tayea

Arab football has achieved an unprecedented boom in 2019, harvesting all soccer continental and interclub titles in Africa and Asia competitions.

The Arab brilliance appeared at all levels, after reaping seven continental titles, four of which won by Arab clubs, Egypt’s Zamalek SC, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Saudi’s Al-Hilal and Lebanon’s Al Ahed FC.

The remaining three continental titles in Africa and Asia were won by Egypt, Algeria, and Qatar.

The Arab national teams:

Egypt

The start comes with Egypt when the Pharaohs snatched the U-23 African Cup of Nations Champions title for the first time ever after beating Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 last Friday on the pitch of Cairo Stadium. They have also qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Algeria

Algeria held the Africa Cup of Nations title for the second time after securing a 1-0 win against Senegal in the tournament final in Cairo. Baghdad Bounedjah's shot took a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looped over goalkeeper Alfred Gomes.

Qatar

Qatar secured the biggest soccer title in its history, beating Japan, 3-1, in the Asian Cup final in Abu Dhabi. The Championship was held from January 5 to February 1 in the United Arab Emirates.

The Arab clubs:

Egypt’s Zamalek

Zamalek SC won the Confederation Cup for the first time in their history after securing a victory in a penalty shootout against RS Berkane on the venue of Burj Al Arab Stadium. The Whites managed to score the goal after VAR showed that they were entitled to a penalty that revived their hopes.

Saudi’s Al-Hilal:

Saudi’s Al-Hilal FC claimed champion of the AFC Champions League title for the third time in their history after defeating Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds 3-0. The Saudi side has also booked a seat at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Esperance of Tunisia

Esperance of Tunisia won the African Champions League title for the fourth time in their history and the second in a row, at the expense of Wydad Morocco after the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS annulled the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision over replaying the (CL) final between the two teams.

This was after Esperance’s opponents Wydad Casablanca refused to continue playing due to issues with the faulty VAR system.

It is noteworthy that the CAF has previously announced that the second leg of the African Champions League final will be replayed after the original fixture was abandoned and match awarded to Esperance after opponents Wydad Casablanca left the pitch following a disputed decision, according to Reuters.

Lebanon's Al Ahed FC

Lebanon's Al Ahed FC won the AFC Cup, after beating North Korea's April 25 SC 1-0 in Kuala Lumpur Stadium. It became the first Lebanese club to hold the championship title, which has been dominated by West Asian teams since it began in 2004.