Published Date: 2025-04-26 10:54:16 Updated At: 2025-05-13 17:26:29

The first football team of Al Ahly Club faces the looming threat of missing out on the CAF Champions League next season (2025-2026) following its surprising exit from the semifinals of the current edition at the hands of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns. After a draw in the second leg held yesterday at Cairo Stadium, Al Ahly, the titleholder, was eliminated from the tournament, raising concerns about its chances of participating in next season’s Champions League.

Al Ahly, which holds the record for the most CAF Champions League titles with 12, is one of the most prestigious clubs on the continent. However, its current standing in the domestic competition severely threatens its chances of qualifying for the next season. The team currently sits second in the Egyptian Premier League standings with 40 points, trailing Pyramids FC, who lead by four points, and only two points ahead of Zamalek in third place.

Al Ahly’s situation has become even more difficult due to its declining form in the domestic league this season, putting the club in a critical position. The team must avoid any negative results in the upcoming rounds to maintain its spot in the top four and secure continental qualification.

Matters are further complicated by potential sanctions looming over the club, as Al Ahly’s management awaits the Appeals Committee’s decision regarding the possible deduction of points following the team’s withdrawal from the Cairo Derby against Zamalek earlier. If the points deduction is confirmed, Al Ahly could drop to third place in the league table, making its situation even more precarious.

Al Ahly is now fully focused on the remaining league matches, holding onto a slim chance of catching up with Pyramids and Zamalek. However, the Red Devils will also need their rivals to stumble. Their safest path to qualification is winning all remaining games; if unable to secure the title, finishing at least second would guarantee them a spot in the CAF Champions League. Otherwise, a further slip in standings could see Al Ahly settling for a CAF Confederation Cup spot by finishing third.

Winning the Egyptian Premier League title remains Al Ahly’s safest and most assured route to the 2026 Champions League. Meanwhile, head coach Marcel Koller must urgently address the issues affecting the team’s performance in recent matches and work on restoring player fitness, form, and team cohesion. Observers have noted that Al Ahly’s performance has been hampered by injuries to key players in recent weeks.

On another front, Al Ahly’s management must conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s future plans. The club aims to quickly return to winning ways and manage the pressure more effectively to achieve its objectives this season. Despite the major challenges ahead, the team still possesses the potential to correct its course and return to strong contention.

As for their upcoming match in the Egyptian Premier League, Al Ahly is preparing to face Petrojet at 8 PM next Wednesday in the third round of the Premier League’s championship phase. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Al Ahly to improve its position, especially given the intense competition for the title.

Should Al Ahly fail to secure victory in this match or subsequent ones, its situation in the league would become even more complicated, further jeopardizing its chances of qualifying for next season’s CAF Champions League. Thus, the match against Petrojet is a key step in keeping the team's continental hopes alive.

In conclusion, Al Ahly faces significant challenges in the upcoming period, both domestically and continentally. The Red Devils will rely on their players’ skills and capabilities to get back on track. However, due to their recent dip in form and fierce competition at the top of the table, the road ahead has become very complicated. If Al Ahly can overcome these difficulties, they will still have a real opportunity to participate in the 2026 CAF Champions League — but it will require tremendous focus and collective effor