As Egypt prepare to chase a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations crown, a curious historical coincidence has resurfaced after 16 years and is giving fans renewed hope of lifting the trophy once again.
The revealed link goes back to 2008, when Egypt won the AFCON title under Hassan Shehata in Ghana. In the same year, Al Ahly were crowned champions of the African Champions League after beating Coton Sport.
Now, the same picture has appeared in 2024. Egypt start the new AFCON campaign in search of the title they last won in 2010, while Al Ahly have already returned to the top of the continent by winning the African Champions League after defeating Espérance in the final.
The coincidence, which has quickly spread among supporters, is based on the timing: every time Al Ahly won the Champions League in that period, Egypt followed it by winning the AFCON in the same year — a pattern last seen in 2008.
Egyptians are also pointing to the fact that the last time this “double” happened, it ended with Shehata’s side producing a famous run and taking the trophy, strengthening the belief that the current generation could repeat the achievement.
While it remains only a coincidence, it has added a positive edge to the build-up, with fans hoping the repeat of Al Ahly’s continental success will be a sign of a new Egypt title run on the AFCON stage.
