LIVE BLOG: Esperance 0-0 Al Ahly – TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final 2023/24 First Leg

2056 GMT – The referee blows the whistle for full time and it is goalless draw here in Rades. Al Ahly manage to travel to Rades to hold Esperance to a goalless draw in the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League. Next week is the second leg and decided in Cairo. You can click here to get all the play-by-play action of the game, the statistics and how each player performed during the match. 

 

 

 

2040 GMT – We are in the last ten minutes of the game and so far with it is end to end action and the it is still a deadlock at the packed stadium in Rades. Capacity crowd!

 

2006 GMT – Second-Half! The second half of  match of the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final between Esperance and Al Ahly is underway with the home side seeking to opening the scoring while Ahly are holding firm.

 

 

 

1955 GMT – Half-Time! The match has been balanced so far with no goals to report at the break from the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final between Esperance and Al Ahly.

 

 

1900 GMT – Kick-Off! The match is about to begin! Stay with us for live updates and all the action from the first leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final between Esperance and Al Ahly. You can click here to get all the play-by-play action of the game, the statistics and how each player performed during the match. 

 

1845 GMT – Final Preparations Both teams are finishing their warming up. The atmosphere at the Stade Olympique de Radès is electric as fans from both sides fill the stands, ready to witness a thrilling encounter.

 

1830 GMT – This is the starting line-up of both teams for tonight's match:

 

 

1820 GMT – Frequently Asked Questions Wondering about where to watch the matches or looking for live updates? The CAF website at CafOnline.com will provide live text commentary, statistics, and updates for both legs of the final.

 

1815 GMT – Official Match Ball The "OLA" official match ball, supplied by Puma, will be used for the Champions League final. It’s designed for optimal performance in high-stakes matches.

1800 GMT – Previous Articles Read our exclusive: Koller: Al Ahly will give everything to claim 12th African title.

 

 

1745 GMT – The fans are also entering the stadium in huge numbers hoping for the result they want. 

 

1745 GMT – What is the Prize Money? The champions will receive $4 million in prize money, while the runners-up will earn $2 million. This significant prize reflects the prestige of the competition.

 

 

 

1740 GMT – The dressing rooms are set for the action with both teams wearing some of their best apparel for the match.

 

1730 GMT – Historical Success Esperance has won the Champions League 4 times, with their last title in 2019. Al Ahly is the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 11 titles, their latest being in 2023.

1715 GMT – Key Players to Watch Keep an eye on Esperance’s midfielder Yan Sasse and goalkeeper Amanallah Memmiche. For Al Ahly, striker Hussein El Shahat and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir are the ones to watch.

1700 GMT – Previous Articles Don’t miss our interview: Cardoso: Esperance ready to seize TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 'dream'.

 

 

 

1645 GMT – Who are the Head Coaches? Espérance is managed by Miguel Cardoso, while Marcel Koller leads Al Ahly. Both coaches are renowned for their tactical acumen and will be crucial to their teams’ success.

 

1645 GMT – Mohamed El Shenawy is an inspirational figure for Ahly but it look like a youngster by the name Shoubeir is taking his place in the goal post tonight. 

 

 

 

 

1640 GMT – Watch how Esperance got to the final of this year's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League below:

 

1630 GMT – Key Facts and Figures This is the 23rd meeting between these clubs in the Champions League. Al Ahly leads the head-to-head with 10 wins to Esperance’s 8. Both teams aim to set a new record by achieving 9 straight clean sheets in the competition. You can click here to get all the play-by-play action of the game, the statistics and how each player performed during the match. 

 

1620 GMT – Watch some of the finest goals scored by Al Ahly on their way to the final:

 

 

1615 GMT – Format of the Final The CAF Champions League final is played over two legs. Each team hosts one match, and the winner is decided by the aggregate score over both legs.

1600 GMT – Previous Articles For more insights, check out our Photo Gallery: TotalEnergies CAF Champions League - Hall of Fame.


1545 GMT – When and Where is the Final? The two-legged final kicks off with the first leg today at 7:00 PM GMT at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis. The second leg will be held on May 25th at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

 

1535 GMT – What are the fans in Rades saying ahead of tonight's game. Check out this below:

 

1530 GMT – Which Teams are in the Final? The final features Espérance Sportive de Tunis from Tunisia and Al Ahly SC from Egypt, two giants of African football. Both teams have a rich history in this competition.

 

 

1515 GMT – What is the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League? The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League is Africa's premier club football competition, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It's the most prestigious tournament on the continent, determining the top club team in Africa.

1505 GMT – Welcome to our live coverage of the 2023/24 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final first leg! We’ll be bringing you all the build-up, key information, and live updates right here. The stage is set

 

 

Stay tuned as we count down to kick-off and dive into the action from the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis. You can click here to get all the play-by-play action of the game, the statistics and how each player performed during the match. 

The match kicks off at 1900 GMT, and we’ll be providing you with minute-by-minute updates, key insights, and all the excitement leading up to the match.

1500 GMT: Welcome to the Live Blog! Welcome to our live blog coverage of the first leg of the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final between Esperance of Tunisia and Al Ahly of Egypt!