The first leg of the African Champions League final takes place on Friday in Egypt between Al Ahly and Tunisian side ES Tunis.
Here is a lowdown on the two-legged tie, the second leg in Tunisia on Friday November 9, with the winner earning a spot at the Fifa Club World Cup in December in the UAE.
Al Ahly
Group: Winner
Quarter-finals: Defeated Horoya 4-0 aggregate
Semi-finals: Defeated ES Setif 3-2 agg
History One of the true heavyweights of Arab football, the Egyptians are synonymous with success both at home and on the continent. Have clinched a record 40 national league titles, while they have been crowned African champions an unprecedented eight times.
Beaten finalists last year, their most recent triumph arrived in 2013, when they successfully defended the trophy.
In this year’s tournament, Patrice Carteron’s men have been defeated twice in 10 matches. Met Esperance twice in the groups, winning 1-0 away before drawing 0-0 in the return in Egypt.
One to watch: Walid Soleman
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ES Tunis
Group: Runners up
Quarter-finals: Defeated Etoile du Sahel 3-1 aggregate
Semi-finals: Defeated Primeiro de Agosto 4-3 aggregate
History: The 28-time Tunisian champions are seeking a third continental title having lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2011. Mouine Chaabani's side have contested the Champions League 22 times previously, reaching the final six times (three between 2010 and 2012).
Met Al Ahly in the 2012 showpiece, but after drawing the first leg away they lost the second at home to eventually come up short, beaten 3-2 on aggregate. After finishing second in the groups to Ahly this year, they won all four of their knockout matches.
Player to watch: Anice Badri
