
<p>This summer’s transfer window has been dominated by the Saudi Pro League’s efforts to become a popular destination. Top European soccer players received massive pay upgrades to play in the Middle Eastern nation. Now, Liverpool star Roberto Firmino is making the move to Saudi Arabia to join an already-impressive cast of footballers.</p>



<p>For example, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/cristiano-ronaldo-joins-al-nassr-in-211-million-per-year-deal-20221231-WST-413970.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/karim-benzema-bids-farewell-to-real-madrid-after-14-years-20230604-WST-436009.html">Karim Benzema</a> are two Ballon d’Or winners in the Saudi Pro League. Former Chelsea players <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ngolo-kante-joins-al-ittihad-in-deal-worth-over-100-million-20230621-WST-438816.html">N’Golo Kante</a>, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy made the switch. More recently, Marcelo Brozovic and Ruben Neves signed with Saudi Pro League clubs. Each of these four players will or already does represent one of four clubs. Those are Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, or PIF, controls each of those.</p>



<p>Saudi PIF is said to still be on the hunt for more top talent this summer. With players like Bernardo Silva, Neymar, Alvaro Morata, David de Gea and many more on their wish list. The PIF provides an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-cant-compete-financially-against-saudi-arabias-riches-20230606-WST-436282.html">unmatched financial incentive</a> to take playing careers over to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is unsurprising to see so many high-profile players relocate. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="SAUDI ARABIA EFFECT and How It&apos;s Changing Soccer 🇸🇦" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Op0AjYD3bMU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Al-Ahli officially brings Roberto Firmino to Saudi Arabia</h2>



<p>Roberto Firmino is signing a three-year contract with Al-Ahli, according to the club. The 31-year-old’s contract at Anfield expired at the end of June. Rather than re-upping on a new deal, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/roberto-firmino-to-leave-liverpool-at-end-of-season-report-says-20230303-WST-422026.html">attacker opted for a fresh challenge</a>. That took him away from Merseyside after a <a href="https://twitter.com/ALAHLI_FCEN/status/1676354776781529089" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">famously successful stint</a> at Anfield.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Si Señor 🫡🪄<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeFirmino?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeFirmino</a> <a href="https://t.co/jZGcJXCUon">pic.twitter.com/jZGcJXCUon</a></p>— النادي الأهلي السعودي (@ALAHLI_FC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ALAHLI_FC/status/1676337450006765570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>Firmino leaves as Liverpool legend</h5>



<p>Along with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner, the Brazilian departed the Reds as a free agent this summer. After the last game of the season, both the squad and the supporters gave the four retiring players a standing ovation, with the greatest cheers reserved for the contemporary great Firmino.</p>



<p>Together with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, he formed a lethal attacking combination that led to Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League, 2020 Premier League, and 2022 FA Cup and League Cup titles.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo</em></p>


Saudi Arabia snatched up yet another Premier League star in Roberto Firmino after already acquiring several of the league's biggest names.

Saudi Arabia poaches Roberto Firmino as latest EPL star


<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/stvs_team/seattle-sounders-fc/">Seattle Sounders</a> succumbed to a late goal from Al Ahly as they crashed out of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/club-world-cup-tv-schedule-streaming-links/">Club World Cup</a> at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco on Saturday evening.</p>



<p>The Sounders had earlier scripted history when they beat Mexican side Pumas in the Concacaf Champions League final last May to <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/fifa-club-world-cup-morocco-2022-dates-teams-draw-matches-venues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qualify for the Club World Cup.</a></p>



<h5>Sounders lacked competitive action</h5>



<p>The Sounders hadn’t played a competitive match since their campaign ended in the MLS season in September, but dominated the game against the Egyptian side and would rue missing their opportunities. </p>



<p>Al Ahly on the other hand have been unbeaten in their domestic league this season and haven’t lost since last August.</p>



<p>Substitute Mohamed Afsha scored the game’s solitary goal in the 88<sup>th</sup> minute thanks to a deflection after his initial effort had struck against the crossbar.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Afsha puts <a href="https://twitter.com/AlAhly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlAhly</a> ahead 1-0!<br><br>His right footed follow up shot from outside the box takes a fortunate deflection and finds the bottom right corner 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/eNw9l4Aduz">pic.twitter.com/eNw9l4Aduz</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1621944641959387136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>The Sounders should have taken the lead in the 14<sup>th</sup> minute, but Nicolas Lodeiro dragged his volley well wide off goal. </p>



<p>Jordan Morris also had an opening but his tame header went harmlessly past the post as Al Ahly hardly created any chances of their own in the first half.</p>



<p>Soon after the restart, the Egyptians began to impose themselves on the game by building from the back and having the lion’s share of possession. </p>



<p>They came close twice to open the scoring on the night, but Sounders held firm despite showing signs of fatigue and heavy legs that led to gaps in defense.</p>



<p>Afsha had a golden opportunity to give his side the lead in the 69<sup>th</sup> minute but dragged his shot wide with only Stefan Frei to beat in the Sounders goal. </p>



<p>The MLS side had to soak up the pressure for the majority of the second half as chances came at a premium.</p>



<h5>Al Ahly score the only goal</h5>



<p>Afsha however redeemed himself minutes later. First, his looping effort hit the crossbar before the ball somehow found its way to the striker again who then took aim from distance.</p>



<p>The ball took a wicked deflection off Alex Roldan wrongfooting Frie before crawling its way in to give Al Ahly the victory on the night.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sebastian Frej</p>


Seattle Sounders conceded a late goal from Al Ahly as they crashed out of the Club World Cup on Saturday evening.

Seattle Sounders succumb late to Al Ahly in Club World Cup - World Soccer Talk

Seattle Sounders succumb late to Al Ahly in Club World Cup

<div id="attachment_370014" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-370014" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stringer/picture alliance via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League is especially prominent over recent years. Egyptian side Al Ahly’s back-to-back titles is just the beginning.</p>
<p>From Cameroonian club dominance to Al Ahly’s impressive successes, the CAF Champions League produces remarkable moments. Africa’s premier club soccer tournament developed numerous soccer stars like Vincent Enyeama and Hossam Hassan. It gives clubs from all over Africa a chance to show their skills.</p>
<p>Yet, North African clubs own a monopoly over the CAF Champions League in recent years. Since 2016, elite North African clubs triumphed in the premier club tournament on the continent. This season, Al Ahly enters as the two-time holders of the competition.</p>
<p>The stranglehold by the region is not simply quality or commitment discrepancies. As seen, AFCON, as well as <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/31/the-joy-of-watching-non-league-soccer-and-cup-upsets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other club competitions</a>, can <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/16999874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">produce underdogs</a> that bring trophies home.</p>
<p>The differences lie elsewhere in regards to North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<h3>Explaining North Africa’s dominance in the competition</h3>
<p>For reference, we designate Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco and Libya as North Africa. These are the nations that span the Mediterranean Sea and fall under the Union of North African Football, or UNAF.</p>
<p>North African club soccer certainly trumps other African clubs. In the competition’s near-60-year history, North African clubs won 33 titles, more than all other nation’s clubs combined. Trophies are one thing. The debate stems from <em>how</em> the North African sides dominate.</p>
<p>The simple answer would be to say skill or quality. Looking at the African Cup of Nations, UNAF nations do hold a lead in terms of number of champions. Egypt (7), Algeria (2), Morocco (1) and Tunisia (1) account for 11 titles. UNAF has more than any other region of Africa.</p>
<p>This is impressive, yes, but it is only a narrow lead over West Africa’s 10 titles and Central Africa’s eight. Meanwhile, the club scene runs through North Africa, and that much is undisputed.</p>
<h5>North African clubs standing out</h5>
<p>Journalist Maher Mezahi writes this dominance on the club scene exists because of the funding of North African sides.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The simple truth is that many North African clubs possess sizeable budgets, allowing for the construction of infrastructure and better player acquisition,”</em> he wrote in a <a href="https:\/\/mg.co.za/article/2019-04-30-the-secret-of-north-africas-football-dominance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 article</a>.</p></blockquote>
<p>North Africa has more private investors investing in clubs so teams can spend more. Club infrastructure via training grounds and stadiums draws in players. Of course, these facilities are wildly expensive for the most lavish of options. Many African clubs do not have the funding to support something of this nature.</p>
<p>Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane told KICKOFF <a href="https:\/\/www.kickoff.com/news/articles/world-news/categories/news/caf-champions-league/mamelodi-sundowns-coach-pitso-mosimane-e/593965" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his thoughts</a> on North African clubs’ dominance.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“The big thing about North Africans is all about the intimidation. It is about how the officials handle the stress and the pressure,”</em> Mosimane said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Fan bases in North Africa are very energetic and sometimes hard to handle.</p>
<p>North Africa’s dominance comes from a mix of both money and intimidation. On one hand, money and marketing impact how rosters are made up. Therefore, better talent, players, coaches and facilities can be intimidating to those on the outside.</p>
<p>Yet there are countless other reasons too. They range from the popularity of soccer to the corruption that plagues football associations.</p>
<h3><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-370572 size-full" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220210_WST_365991_CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=900" alt="CAF Champions League trophy" width="1200" height="900" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/02/CAF-Champions-League-Trophy-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></h3>
<h3>Hope for the underdogs and outliers</h3>
<p>There is hope for Africa’s sub-Saharan sides.</p>
<p>This era draws comparisons to when the Congo dominated in the 1960s and Cameroon’s success in the 1980s. The current period exemplifies North Africa’s dominance in the CAF Champions League.</p>
<p>Other clubs need to adapt now more than ever. Although North Africa’s dominance looks near insurmountable, there are examples of how to <a href="https:\/\/www.espn.com/soccer/caf-champions-league/story/4001768/how-mamelodi-sundowns-became-the-caf-champions-leagues-trickiest-customer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take down some of Africa’s mightiest fighters</a>.</p>
<h5>Breaking down the groups</h5>
<p>Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of North African clubs. The CAF Champions League includes defending champions Al Ahly, famed club Raja Casablanca, and more. However, no one expected how dominant North Africa would be in qualifying. Half of the teams in the group stage, eight out of 16, are North African.</p>
<p>Clubs from North Africa do not just reign in quantity but also quality. North African teams form the top-five sides for seeding. Essentially, UNAF clubs held the highest places in CAF’s five-Year Ranking. The best four associations, according to the CAF five-year ranking, are from North Africa. This, yet again, reaffirms North Africa’s dominance.</p>
<p>North Africa’s power is unparalleled, but some teams could lift the trophy in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Preview</h5>
<p>Al Ahly is the favorite to take home the CAF Champions League trophy. Coming off two consecutive Champions League victories, Al Ahly is also a domestic powerhouse. Fellow Egyptian side Zamalek, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Tunisian titleholders Esperance Tunis could also take the title.</p>
<p>Yet numerous sleeper candidates pose problems to the perennial contenders. Sides like AmaZulu from South Africa or Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel will be problematic for the pre-established elite. Horoya AC will also cause trouble in a field full of fascinating sides.</p>
<p>On beIN Sports, many players will show their skills and attract the attention of clubs from other continents. Malian international <a href="https:\/\/breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/aliou-dieng-malis-midfield-metronome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aliou Dieng</a> will be among those players. Dieng, who earned 20 caps for his native Mali, is one of the continent’s best players at club and international level. The defensive midfielder is akin to a brick wall.</p>
<p>Another player to look out for is Namibia’s Peter Shalulile. Shalulile leads Mamelodi Sundowns’ front line in this CAF campaign. Shalulile terrorized the South African Premier League all season and will look to repeat his feats in this campaign.</p>
<h5>Getting things started</h5>
<p>beIN SPORTS holds the rights to broadcast the CAF Champions League in the United States. The tournament kicks off on Friday, Feb. 11, with games running into the weekend.</p>
<p>beIN SPORTS puts these games on its extra channels, such as beIN SPORTS Connect 2 or beIN SPORTS Connect 3. Therefore, beIN SPORTS Connect is a viable option to watch these games, as is something like <a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">fuboTV</a>.</p>
<p>Here are some of the notable games in the first matchday to get North Africa’s dominance started in the 2022 edition of the CAF Champions League. All times are U.S. Eastern Time.</p>
<p><strong>Friday, Feb. 11</strong></p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) vs. CR Bélouizdad (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 a.m. — Wydad AC (Morocco) vs. GD Sagrada Esparanca (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Saturday, Feb. 12</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) vs. Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Horoya AC (Guinea) vs. ES Sétif (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Zamalek (Egypt) vs. Petro Atlético (Angola) — beIN SPORTS Connect 5</p>
<p><strong>Sunday Feb. 13</strong></p>
<p>7:50 a.m. — Coton Sport FC (Cameroon) vs. Al Masry (Egypt) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Pyramids (Egypt) vs. Al Ahli Tripoli (Libya) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>10:50 a.m. — Orlando Pirates (South Africa) vs. JS Saoura (Algeria) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — CS Sfaxien (Tunisia) vs. Zanaco (Zambia) — beIN SPORTS Connect 3</p>
<p>1:50 p.m. — RS Berkane (Morocco) vs. USGN (Niger) — beIN SPORTS Connect 4</p>


The CAF Champions League is a dramatic tournament among the continent's best clubs, but North Africa's dominance persists entering 2022.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Al Ahly"

Al Ahly

Saudi Arabia poaches Roberto Firmino as latest EPL star

Al Ahly

Seattle Sounders succumb late to Al Ahly in Club World Cup

CAF

North Africa's dominance entering the CAF Champions League