Al Ahly's Loss In CAF Super Cup: Percy Tau's Team Still Walks Away With Cash
- Percy Tau and his Al Ahly teammates faced disappointment in the CAF Super Cup final this past weekend in Saudi Arabia.
- The South African star’s club fell to their Egyptian Premier League rivals, Zamalek, in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
- Despite missing out on the trophy, the Red Devils were still handed a substantial cash prize by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Percy Tau, one of Africa's most celebrated players, couldn’t extend his trophy cabinet this time around as his club, Al Ahly, came up short against Zamalek in the CAF Super Cup final. It was an intense battle that showcased the best of Egyptian football on a global stage, but Tau and his teammates ultimately left Riyadh without the coveted trophy.
Going into the match, Al Ahly was widely considered the favorite, but the game ended in a tense 1-1 deadlock after 120 minutes of play. The drama unfolded at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, where both teams fought tooth and nail for supremacy. In the end, it was Zamalek who triumphed in the penalty shootout, echoing their victory over Al Ahly in the 1994 edition of the CAF Super Cup—exactly 30 years ago.
Runner-Up Rewards: How Much Did Al Ahly Receive?
Even though Percy Tau's Al Ahly didn't clinch the title, they weren’t left empty-handed. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ensured that both finalists were compensated handsomely for their efforts. While losing stings, the financial consolation helps soften the blow.
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According to official details published by CAF, the total prize money allocated for the two finalists amounted to $750,000. As the runner-up, Al Ahly took home $250,000—a sum that reflects the prestige of reaching the final stage of the competition. Meanwhile, Zamalek, the victorious side, celebrated not only the trophy but also a larger payday of $500,000.
For the Red Devils, this isn’t the first time they’ve reaped financial rewards this year. Earlier in 2023, Al Ahly claimed the CAF Champions League title, earning a staggering $4,000,000. This achievement solidifies their status as one of the continent’s dominant forces, even if this particular tournament didn’t go their way.
On the flip side, Zamalek, who secured the CAF Confederations Cup earlier, pocketed $2,000,000 for their success. The rivalry between these two Egyptian giants continues to define the landscape of African club football.
Cash Windfalls for Sundowns and Pirates
Big Money for South African Clubs
While the focus has been on Al Ahly and Zamalek, two South African clubs are also set to benefit financially from their performances in continental competitions. Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have booked their spots in the group stages of the CAF Champions League, ensuring they too will enjoy some hefty payouts.
Both Sundowns and Pirates earned their places through hard-fought victories over local rivals Mbabane Swallows and Jwaneng Galaxy, respectively. Their qualification guarantees them significant prize money, further boosting the coffers of these storied institutions. For fans of South African football, this news is a reminder of the growing influence and competitiveness of the nation’s clubs on the international stage.
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