Why Al Ahly, Esperance dominate African club football

Al Ahly of Cairo and Esperance of Tunis are two of the most successful football clubs in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League, Africa’s premier club competition. Al Ahly holds the record with 11 titles, while Esperance has also claimed the championship multiple times.

Their success stems from several factors, including financial strength, effective management, and large fan bases. These clubs have the resources and organizational support to perform well in competitions and make strategic decisions that influence African football at the CAF level.

As a researcher of sports management, particularly in North Africa and the Arab world, I believe their dominance is rooted in a combination of historical, financial, and political factors, as well as the strength of their domestic leagues. Both clubs boast top-tier infrastructure and focus heavily on nurturing talent within their local leagues, which sets them apart from many African clubs that rely on exporting players.

Al Ahly

Founded in 1907, Al Ahly, known as the “club of the people,” is a powerhouse in Egyptian football. With 43 Egyptian Premier League titles and 39 Egypt Cup victories, Al Ahly has long dominated domestic football. Internationally, they lead the CAF Champions League with 11 wins. The club benefits from a strong organizational structure, substantial financial backing, and a passionate fan base.

Al Ahly’s budget, estimated at around $100 million, allows for significant investment in player development and facilities. Their home ground, Cairo International Stadium, can accommodate 75,000 fans, making it one of the largest venues in the region. The club currently has 19 players representing various national teams, further showcasing its depth of talent.

Esperance

Esperance Sportive de Tunis, founded in 1919, is a symbol of Tunisian identity, having emerged during the country’s fight against French colonialism. With 30 Tunisian League titles and four CAF Champions League victories, Esperance is a dominant force in African football.

Despite Tunisia’s challenging economic situation and a more modest budget compared to Al Ahly, Esperance continues to compete at the highest levels, thanks to strategic investment in facilities and talent development. The club plays its home matches at the Stade Olympique de Radès, a modern stadium that supports high-performance football.

Lessons from Their Success

Al Ahly and Esperance’s achievements offer valuable lessons for other African teams. Their success is the result of careful planning, strong domestic leagues, and dedicated fan support. Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria are known for their competitive leagues, which produce top-tier local talent.

Unlike many African clubs that focus on exporting players, these North African teams prioritize strengthening their domestic leagues and national teams by nurturing homegrown talent. This model has helped them maintain their dominance in African football.

In addition, the rise of football leagues in the Arabian Peninsula, like the Qatar Stars League and the Saudi League (RSL), has provided an attractive destination for top African players, offering better professional opportunities than many African leagues.

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns is an example of a club that has successfully adopted a similar model, achieving considerable success in recent years.

As the CAF Champions League final between Al Ahly and Esperance approaches, it will be another moment to celebrate African football and showcase the continued dominance of North African clubs. The competition’s winner will take home $4 million in prize money, while the runner-up will receive $2 million, further highlighting the stakes and prestige of this prestigious tournament.