Egypt's Al Ahly crowned African Champions for 12th time

Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly secured their 12th CAF Champions League title on Saturday, defeating Tunisian side Esperance 1-0  on aggregate in the final. 

The first leg in Tunis had ended in a goalless draw, setting up a tense second encounter at the Cairo International Stadium. Al Ahly, aiming to defend their status as Africa's dominant force for the fifth consecutive year, struck in the 4th minute when Aholou inadvertently put the ball into his own net.

The Cairo-based club won the second leg 1-0 at home, courtesy of an early own goal by Esperance's Roger Aholou.

Al Ahly's triumph has earned them a spot in the newly formed FIFA Intercontinental Cup, set to begin in December 2024. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup, scheduled for 2025, has prompted FIFA to create this annual competition featuring champions from each confederation.

The Intercontinental Cup will consist of four rounds, with the African champions or Asian champions (determined by a draw) hosting the winner of the 2024 OFC Champions League in the first round. The winner of that match will then host the other team that received a bye in the second round, where the Copa Libertadores champions will face the CONCACAF Champions Cup winners.

The victors of the second-round ties will meet in a playoff, with the winner advancing to the final against the UEFA Champions League champions at a neutral venue.