It’s Al Ahly vs. TP Mazembe in the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final. Al Ahly is aiming to extend their record-breaking run, but TP Mazembe isn’t going to make it easy for them.
Historical Context and Home Advantage
Al Ahly has history on its side. They’ve won both of their home games against TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League, with scores of 1-0 in 2002 and 2-1 in 2012. Playing on their home turf always gives a team a psychological edge.
TP Mazembe is coming off a 2-1 away win against Petro de Luanda, which should give them a boost of confidence as they head into this match.
Key Player Statistics and Performance
Here’s a look at how a few key players have performed this season.
Al Ahly’s Ali Maâloul
Ali Maâloul has been a force this season, winning possession a whopping 71 times in the CAF Champions League. He’s a key component in Al Ahly’s ability to control the ball.
TP Mazembe’s Magloire Ntambwe
Magloire Ntambwe dominates in the air. He’s won 86% of his aerial duels (37 out of 43). That’s the highest percentage for anyone with at least 20 aerial duels in a single tournament since 2018-19.
Offensive Performance
Both Al Ahly and TP Mazembe have demonstrated strong offensive capabilities. Al Ahly has an xGa (Expected Goals Against) of 7.04 with only 1 goal against, while TP Mazembe has an xGa of 4.48 with 3 goals against. That’s a significant positive difference between what was expected and what actually happened.
Tactical Approaches and Possession
Al Ahly likes to keep the ball, but TP Mazembe might try to punish them on the counter-attack if they push too high. In the first leg, Al Ahly only had the ball for 36.6% of the match, their lowest since 2021. Winning the midfield will be key.
The Bottom Line
Al Ahly is driven to secure their place in the final for the 17th time, a record that would cement their legacy. TP Mazembe, facing historical odds, is determined to defy expectations and clinch a spot in the final.
This match promises a thrilling contest with high stakes for both teams.