Al Ahly's players are hoping to win the African Champions League for a ninth time in their history. Reuters
Al Ahly's players are hoping to win the African Champions League for a ninth time in their history. Reuters

Al Ahly and El Tunis to duke it out for African Champions League title and a place at Fifa Club World Cup in UAE



The first leg of the African Champions League final takes place on Friday in Egypt between Al Ahly and Tunisian side ES Tunis.

Here is a lowdown on the two-legged tie, the second leg in Tunisia on Friday November 9, with the winner earning a spot at the Fifa Club World Cup in December in the UAE.

Al Ahly

Group: Winner

Quarter-finals: Defeated Horoya 4-0 aggregate

Semi-finals: Defeated ES Setif 3-2 agg

History One of the true heavyweights of Arab football, the Egyptians are synonymous with success both at home and on the continent. Have clinched a record 40 national league titles, while they have been crowned African champions an unprecedented eight times.

Beaten finalists last year, their most recent triumph arrived in 2013, when they successfully defended the trophy.

In this year’s tournament, Patrice Carteron’s men have been defeated twice in 10 matches. Met Esperance twice in the groups, winning 1-0 away before drawing 0-0 in the return in Egypt.

One to watch: Walid Soleman

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ES Tunis

Group: Runners up

Quarter-finals: Defeated Etoile du Sahel 3-1 aggregate

Semi-finals: Defeated Primeiro de Agosto 4-3 aggregate

History: The 28-time Tunisian champions are seeking a third continental title having lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2011. Mouine Chaabani's side have contested the Champions League 22 times previously, reaching the final six times (three between 2010 and 2012).

Met Al Ahly in the 2012 showpiece, but after drawing the first leg away they lost the second at home to eventually come up short, beaten 3-2 on aggregate. After finishing second in the groups to Ahly this year, they won all four of their knockout matches.

Player to watch: Anice Badri

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