ar- العربية Saudi Arabia is set to add another prestigious event to its ever-growing list of international sports showcases. In a move that highlights the nation’s deepening ties with global football, Riyadh will host the CAF Super Cup in September, bringing together two of Africa’s footballing giants, Al Ahly and Zamalek.
The CAF Super Cup is a highly anticipated annual event in African football, where the winners of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup go head-to-head for the title of the best club on the continent. This year’s showdown will see Al Ahly, the reigning CAF Champions League holders, face off against their Egyptian rivals, Zamalek, the current CAF Confederation Cup champions.
Scheduled for September 27, 2024, the match will be a centerpiece of the Riyadh Season, a major cultural and entertainment festival in the Saudi capital. While the exact venue and kick-off time are still under wraps, anticipation is building as fans from across the region and beyond prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
The announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host for this prestigious match was made jointly by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the strong partnership between the organization and Saudi Arabia, noting the mutual commitment to promoting football on the continent.
Turki Alalshikh, head of the GEA, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “We are delighted to host the African Super Cup during Riyadh Season, a tournament that holds significant importance in African football.”
This isn’t the first time Riyadh has seen these two teams clash. Earlier this year, in March, Al Ahly and Zamalek faced each other in the Egypt Cup, also held in the Saudi capital. Al Ahly emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, adding another trophy to their extensive collection.
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international football is evident. Al Ahly recently participated in the FIFA Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia last December, where they finished third, with Manchester City ultimately taking the title.
The Riyadh Season has become synonymous with world-class events, drawing global attention to Saudi Arabia’s vibrant cultural scene. The African Super Cup is poised to be a highlight of this year’s festivities, further solidifying Riyadh’s reputation as a hub for international sports.
As football fever continues to sweep through the kingdom, fans eagerly await the release of tickets for this high-stakes match. The African Super Cup not only promises an unforgettable sporting spectacle but also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the global football arena.