Founded under a nationalistic banner, Al Ahly have risen from their popular roots to become Africa's most successful side almost a century on. Ahly, which means national, have claimed 30 domestic championships and nine top African titles among their long list of honours and were named by CAF as Africa's Club of the Century. Known as the 'people's team', their massive fan base, traditionally from Cairo's working class, is believed to top 50 million, making them one of the best supported clubs in world football.
Ahly began to dominate the Egyptian game with their eternal rivals Zamalek in the 60s thanks to the revolutionary tactics employed by legendary Hungarian coach Nandor Hidegkuti. But it was not until the 80s that the Red Devils truly emerged as a continental power, winning the top club competition in 1982 and 1987. They triumphed again in 2001 under the inspirational will of Manuel Jose and now, less than three years into his record-breaking second stint, Ahly have added another continental crown in a remarkable period of dominance. ................. (Info box):- (Club name): Al Ahly (City): Cairo, Egypt (Founded): 24 April 1907 (Titles): 30 Egyptian League title, 33 Egyptian Cups, 4 African Cup Winners Cups, 4 CAF Champions League, 1 African Super Cup, 1 Afro-Asian Cup, 1 Arab Champions League, 1 Arab Cup Winners Cup, 2 Arab Super Cups, 7 Sultan Cups & the third place of the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. (Famous names): Mokhtar El Tetsh, Mustafa Kamel, Aziz Fahmy, Refaat El Fanageely, Saleh Selim, Toto, Mahmoud El Gohary, Adel Heykal, Mokhtar Mokhtar, Hany Mustafa, Ekramy, Zizo, Taher El Sheikh, Taha Ismail, Mahmoud ElKhateib, Taher Abuzeid, Ahmed Shobier, Ibrahim Hassan, Hossam Hassan, Hany Ramzy
(Facts): Named African Club of the Century by CAF Currently top CAF all-time ranking for African clubs (Official website): www.ahlyegypt.com
