Al Ahly’s challenging campaign has taken another turn for the worse after South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns secured a place in the CAF Champions League final, a result that has significant implications for the Egyptian side both on and off the pitch.
Sundowns advanced at the expense of Tunisia’s Esperance, winning both legs of their semi-final tie to progress with a 2-0 aggregate score. They will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Morocco’s FAR Rabat and RS Berkane in the final.
For Al Ahly, the development serves as a reminder of their early exit from this year’s competition. The Egyptian club were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Esperance, who secured a narrow victory in the first leg before winning 3-2 in Cairo to complete the aggregate triumph.
Loss of continental dominance
One of the most immediate consequences of Sundowns’ progress has been a shift in African club rankings. The South African side’s run to the final has propelled them to the top of the five-year cumulative rankings with 68 points, displacing Al Ahly from a position they had long occupied.
Al Ahly now sit second with 66 points, and the gap could widen further should Sundowns go on to lift the title. Such an outcome would also strengthen Sundowns’ standing ahead of a potential appearance in the African Super Cup.
The change at the summit represents a symbolic and practical setback for Al Ahly, who have built a reputation as one of the continent’s most dominant clubs.
Financial and competitive implications
Beyond rankings, the Egyptian side are also facing financial repercussions following their Champions League exit. Reports indicate that Al Ahly missed out on approximately $6 million in prize money, alongside additional earnings linked to the African Super Cup and participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The financial impact is compounded by the structure of the Club World Cup, which takes place every four years and offers substantial rewards for participating teams.
There are also longer-term sporting concerns. Al Ahly now face increasing pressure to secure qualification for the 2029 Club World Cup, a target that would require them to win at least one of the next two editions of the CAF Champions League.
Season of setbacks
The broader context of Al Ahly’s season further underlines the scale of the challenge. The club have already been eliminated from the Egyptian Cup at the round of 32 stage after defeat to Telecom Egypt. Their domestic league form has also been inconsistent, with the team currently sitting third in the standings.
Taken together, these results reflect a campaign that has fallen short of expectations for a club widely regarded as a continental powerhouse.
A defining period ahead
Sundowns’ progress to the Champions League final has not only highlighted their own rise but also intensified scrutiny on Al Ahly’s current trajectory. With financial pressures, ranking implications and future qualification concerns all in play, the coming seasons may prove decisive in determining whether the Egyptian side can reassert their dominance in African football.
