Al-Ahly vs Cotonsport Garoua – African Champions League Final 2008

Cotonsport Garoua were only founded twenty-two years ago but have come on leaps and bounds in African football during that short period and go into the final of the 2008 CAF African Champions League looking to make history by winning their first ever continental trophy. However the task at hand could hardly be more daunting given their opponents. The mighty Al-Ahly of Egypt have won the African Champions League five times, as many as the whole of Cameroonian football put together, and are looking to make it a record sixth. Victory would bring them their fourth Champions League trophy this decade alone.

In terms of history and achievement the two teams hardly compare. Al-Ahly’s rich history is illuminated with honours both domestic and continental. Founded in 1907 Al-Ahly, which translates as ‘The National’, are considered the people’s team of Egypt. In contrast to bitter rivals Zamalek who are thought to represent the more bourgeois, middle class side of the coin, Al-Ahly represent the working man; a team for the nation as the translation of their name suggests. They have won the Egyptian Premier League no fewer than thirty-three times, the Egyptian Cup thirty-five times and twelve continental honours in Africa including five Champions League medals. As footballing powerhouses go they are certainly up there.

But Cotonsport are not to be underestimated. Formidable at home (they boast a 100% record in this year’s competition and have only ever lost once at home in the African Champions League, back in 2002), and buzzing off the back of their recent 4-2 Cameroon Cup final victory over Aigle Dschang, Cotonsport go into their clash with Al-Ahly full of confidence.

Baba Ousmalia, a goalscorer and man of the match in that cup final had this to say on the eve of the clash with Al-Ahly. “We know Al Ahly are a very big club and a very good team, but now Coton Sport’s time has begun. This is the moment we will gain our first Champions League trophy, we all firmly believe that.” Such confidence is flowing through the veins of everyone associated with Cotonsport right now.

Perhaps they are buoyed by looking back at last year’s Champions League final in which Al-Ahly were again overwhelming favourites against Tunisian outfit Etoile du Sahel, but unexpectedly lost the tie and the title 3-1 in their own backyard having obtained what was considered a promising 0-0 draw in Tunisia. The result was a huge shock given Al-Ahly’s usually flawless home record. Since that day coach Manuel Jose and his side have repeatedly had to defend themselves from claims they struggle to cope with the pressure of playing big games at the Cairo International Stadium in front of their own demanding fans. With the first leg at home they will need a good result to make the daunting trip to Cameroon as agreeable as possible.

The first leg of the final will be played in Egypt, with the return leg at the Stade Omnisports de Garoua in Cameroon on November 16th 2008.

One to watch: Daoudao Kamilou (Cotonsport Garoua) – The Niger born striker has banged in eight goals in this season’s competition and is the tournament’s second top scorer. His skill and energy will no doubt be a threat to Al-Ahly’s defence.

African Champions League, African Football, Al-Ahly, Cameroon, Cotonsport Garoua, Egypt, Previews