The Egyptian Al-Ahly, led by its Swiss coach Marcel Koller, hosts the Sudanese Al-Hilal on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Cairo International Stadium, in the fourth round of the 2024-2025 African Champions League. This match carries significant importance as the Red team aims to secure victory to enhance their chances of reaching the semifinals and retaining the title they have held for the last two editions.
Al-Ahly qualified for the quarter-finals by finishing second in Group Three with 10 points, while Al-Hilal topped Group One with the same points total. The stakes are high as both teams seek to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.
Al-Hilal of Sudan has shown resilience throughout the tournament, overcoming several challenges, including victories against Al-Ahly Benghazi of Libya and Saint Pedro of Ethiopia. They also advanced to the quarter-finals despite facing some defeats in the group stage. The Sudanese team is looking to surprise the defending champions in Cairo.
Al-Ahly is keen to win the African Champions League title for the third consecutive time, a feat that would set a new record. Despite missing key players like Karim Fouad and Reda Selim due to injuries, Koller is optimistic about his squad's depth, relying on standout players such as Ashraf Ben Sharqi, Imam Ashour, and Hussein El Shahat.
In preparation for this crucial match, Al-Hilal has motivated its players with substantial financial rewards, hoping to inspire them to deliver an outstanding performance against the Egyptian giants. Coach Florian Ibenge has been meticulously analyzing Al-Ahly's matches in the Egyptian league to devise a winning strategy.
The match is set to kick off at 9:00 PM Cairo time, 10:00 PM Mecca time, and 11:00 PM UAE time. Fans can catch the live action on beIN Sports, the exclusive broadcaster for the African Champions League in North Africa and the Middle East.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the match, a significant crowd is expected, with around 40,000 fans anticipated to fill the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere. This match coincides with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, making it even more special for both teams and their supporters.
As for the anticipated lineup for Al-Ahly against Al-Hilal, it features Mohamed El-Shenawy in goal, with a defensive line including Mohamed Hani, Ashraf Dari, Ramy Rabia, and Yahya Attia El-Allah. In midfield, Marwan Attia, Imam Ashour, and Akram Tawfiq are expected to control the pace of the game, while the attacking trio will consist of Ashraf Ben Sharqi, Nites Jradisha, and Wissam Abu Ali.
Historically, Al-Ahly and Al-Hilal have faced each other 12 times in various African club competitions, with Al-Ahly winning 5 matches, Al-Hilal securing 3 victories, and 4 matches ending in draws. This rich history adds to the anticipation of the match, as both teams look to gain an edge in this knockout stage.
The return leg of this quarter-final matchup will take place on April 8, 2025, in Mauritania, where the winner will face the victor of the other quarter-final between Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Al-Taraji of Tunisia.
As the match unfolds, fans are eagerly watching to see if Al-Ahly can maintain its dominance or if Al-Hilal can pull off a stunning upset. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with both teams aiming for glory in this prestigious tournament.
With all eyes on Cairo tonight, the excitement is palpable as the teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch. The stakes are high, and the passion for football is at its peak as fans from both sides rally behind their teams, hoping for a memorable night in the African Champions League.
