Wydad AC defeats Al Ahly to win third CAF Champions League title

By David Ochieng Mbewa

Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club were crowned African champions late on Monday after defeating defending champions Al Ahly 2-0 in the final of the CAF Champions League at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.

The game was a rematch of the 2017 two-legged final which Wydad won 2-1 on aggregate, courtesy of a 1-0 victory at home in the second leg. It was also the third final between Moroccan and Egyptian sides.

Wydad AC players celebrate after winning the CAF Champions League Final 2022 match against Al Ahly at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco. /CFP

Zouheir El Moutaraji scored in either half for the Moroccan side who dethroned the two-time defending champions on home soil.

Wydad took the lead in the 15th minute after Al Ahly lost possession in midfield and El Moutaraji fired a spectacular long-range effort that flew past Mohamed El Shenawy into the top corner.

The second goal came three minutes into the second half through El Moutaraji, who poked a rebound into the net after El Shenawy saved his initial effort after Mohamed Hany failed to deal with a cross in the penalty box.

Zouheir El Moutaraji of Wydad AC celebrates after scoring the second goal goal during the CAF Champions League Final 2022 match between Al Ahly and Wydad AC at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco.

Al Ahly, in search of a record third consecutive title, pressed forward but failed to breach the Moroccan side’s defence.

The win means Wydad clinched the Champions League title for a third time following wins in 1992 and 2017 while Al Ahly’s hopes of a record-extending 11th title will have to wait another season.

(Story compiled with assistance from wire reports)

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