12.06.2009 13:10
Al Ahly, champions of Africa
Jordi Clos
Barça second opponent in the preseason has won the last five Egyptian leagues and is the most successful club in Africa. The sides met once before in an unforgettable game.
After playing Tottenham, Barça’s second opponent in the Wembley Cup will be Al Ahly, on July
26. Founded in 1907, the side has won the last five editions of the Egyptian league and have not
lost a game for two and a half years. They were considered the best club in the continent in the
20th century.
Farewell to a legend
However, recent defeat in the round of sixteen of the African Champions
League at the hands of Nigeria’s Kano Pillars was a serious setback for the club. Following
defeat, charismatic coach Manuel José de Jesús left his post after winning more titles for the club
than any previous manager.
Champions
De Jesús’s last success before leaving to take over the Angola national side was
leading Al Ahly to its fifth consecutive Egyptian titles. The championship was won in a play-off
after the season ended with the club tied on points with Ismaily. In the decider, the ‘red
devils’ of Cairo won by a solitary goal scored by Flavio Amado (1-0).
This Angolan striker, along with Mohamed Aboutrika, is one of the big stars of the team.
Historic precedent
Barça and Al Ahly have only met once before. That was on April 24, 2007, when Barça won 4-0,
with the highlight being the first team debut that day of Bojan Krkic. Aged just 16 years, the
youngster even got one of the goals that day.