Plenty of storylines have evolved around Monday’s 2021-22 CAF Champions League final between Egypt’s Al Ahly and Wydad AC of Morocco as the teams prepare to duel in Casablanca. CAF attracted controversy with its choice of Casablanca as the venue for the final, giving Wydad home advantage in a match that is typically held in a neutral location.
The other storylines revolve around the players and coaches involved. Al Ahly’s South African coach Pitso Mosimane was on the sidelines when the Egyptian giants captured last season’s CAFCL final but also failed to lead Ahly to the Egyptian Premier League title, resulting in rivals Zamalek taking the crown. With Ahly continuing to be inconsistent in league play this season and supporters divided over whether Mosimane is living up to expectations, the final has important implications for his job security.
On the other side is Wydad manager Walid Regragui whose name continues to rise at a rapid rate in Moroccan football. After nearly taking over as Morocco national team manager, the former Atlas Lions player is steering Wydad towards another championship season in Morocco’s Botola Pro and a CAFCL title would be the perfect honor for his growing résumé.
New Frame’s Maher Mezahi has more on all of these storylines in his piece on Monday’s final.
