Al-Ahly Win 2008 African Champions League

Egyptian giants Al-Ahly became outright the most successful club in African Champions League history this weekend, drawing 2-2 in Cameroon against runners up Cotonsport Garoua to emerge 4-2 winners on aggregate.

After a 2-0 win over the Cameroonians at the Cairo International Stadium two weeks ago Al-Ahly were overwhelming favourites to win the tie going into the second leg and they did just that, winning their sixth African Champions League in the process.

The game at the Stade Omnisports de Garoua finished 2-2, but this was not enough for Cotonsport, a side that have fought valiantly throughout the competition and leave their fans with fond memories of what must ultimately be looked upon as a very successful tournament. They battled bravely in this their first Champions League final and even led Al-Ahly 2-1 with half an hour to go in the second leg. However they could not press on and get the goals they would have needed to win the competition, and late on Al-Ahly skipper Shady Mohamed converted a penalty to secure the title.

Looking back on the game in the cold light of day Cotonsport will be aggrieved at the number of chances spurned in a game they largely dominated. Despite the Cameroonians dominating the opening half hour of the match it was Al-Ahly who took the lead through Ahmed Hassan courtesy of a devilish flick with the outside of his right boot in the 38th minute. The home side finally managed to find a breakthrough in the 45th minute thanks to a goal from Karim Abdoul, and they then went 2-1 up seventeen minutes later through a set piece header from the ever impressive Baba Ousmaila.

The home fans roared their team forward looking for a precious third goal in the final half hour, but Ousmaila and Daoudao Kamilou were guilty of spurning some golden opportunities to bring the aggregate scores level, much to the disappointment of the supporters kitted out in the green of their idols. After Mohamed Barakat was then fouled in the box late on by Andre Ndame, Shady Mohamed fired home to secure a draw and give Al-Ahly their sixth Champions League crown.

Al-Ahly now have more Champions League honours than bitter rivals Zamalek, a fact that will no doubt leave their supporters overjoyed. Congratulations Al-Ahly!

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