May 28 – Egyptian Giants Al Ahly start as firm favourites to lift the African Super Cup against Morocco’s Renaissance Berkane and complete a treble of titles under South African coach Pitso Mosimane.
At a news conference Mosimane downplayed his side’s chances, saying: “We know RS Berkane is a very strong team and they have a good new coach and talented players. They are always doing well on the international scene and we respect them very much. This is a final so it’s a 50-50 game and both sides have an equal chance to win the cup.”
The Egyptian Cup winners and continental champions however will be heavily fancied against modest Berkane, who defeated Egypt’s Pyramids to win the Confederation Cup, Africa’s second-tier club competition, and earn a spot in the Super Cup.
“This is a final between two big teams,” said Berkane’s Spanish coach Juan Benali. “We know Al Ahly very well and they are one of the biggest teams in Africa. But this is a football game that will be played on the pitch and we are waiting for it.”
The Cairo Red Devils have won the Super Cup a record six times. They reign supreme over the continent, having won 20 titles in all CAF competitions. “For us, we want to win, and we must work well to achieve that,” said Mosimane.
“During the past weeks we had many tough games in the league and in the CAF Champions League, in addition to many travels. We will make sure to be well prepared. Maybe we are physically tired, but we are mentally ready. Every match comes with its pressure. Al Ahly is always expected to win, and we want to do that and make our supporters at home happy.”
The match will be staged in Doha. The capacity of the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium will be limited to 30%, with only fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 in the last nine months permitted to attend the event. It’s the third time Qatar, hosts for the 2022 World Cup, are staging the CAF Super Cup.
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