Wydad Club Athletic head coach Sven Vandenbroeck has insisted Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns are Africa’s two strongest teams right now, but explained the difference between the two, and also praised Percy Tau.
Vandenbroeck only took over at Wydad before the CAF Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sundowns but steered his side into the final.
However, they fell short, losing 3-2 to Al Ahly over the two-legged final. After facing both Al Ahly and Sundowns, the Belgian tactician admitted that Ahly and Downs are the “strongest teams in Africa” before pointing out their differences.
“Al Ahly can win the CAF Champions League every year, and perhaps they are the best team in Africa for long decades,” he told ON Sports TV channel, as per Kingfut.
“They have a large budget, excellent players, and constantly renew the team. Winning the title for the 11th time proves that Al Ahly is capable of achieving the CAF Champions League every year.
“If you compare Al Ahly’s strength with other teams, you will find that Sundowns has a strong team, and they are the two strongest teams. However, Al Ahly surpasses them in maturity, mentality, and experience, while Sundowns excels in playing the modern style, trying to outnumber the opponent all over the field and control the game.”
Vandenbroeck also admitted his side is proud to have reached back-to-back finals, with small details making the difference, before naming Tau as one of Al Ahly’s top performers.
“As for us Wydad, we are happy to reach the Champions League final for the second consecutive time,” he added.
“We were not happy with the loss, but we know winning the title every year is difficult. Look at Manchester City, who won the UEFA Champions League after many attempts.
“Among the best players of Al Ahly in the first leg was Marwan Attia, who made the game easy for the rest of the players, as well as Hussein El-Shahat and Percy Tau.”
Vandenbroeck himself is facing an uncertain future at Wydad after missing out on the CAF Champions League title, as well as the Botola Pro League title, where they were beaten by AS FAR by one point.
