The Al Ahly women’s handball team secured the African Women’s Handball Champions League title in Angola, defeating the hosts Primeiro de Agosto 21-20 in the final. This victory marks the club’s second continental championship, the first since 1979, and snaps a long-standing dominance by Angolan clubs, which had held the title since 1996.
A Historic Title in Angola
Al Ahly’s path to the championship required overcoming significant physical and competitive hurdles. After falling 30-22 to Primeiro de Agosto in the group stage, the Egyptian side navigated a challenging bracket that included a 27-24 semifinal victory over Petro de Luanda, the tournament’s most successful historical side. According to FilGoal, the team played two high-intensity matches against Angolan opposition in consecutive days, placing immense strain on the squad.
Al Ahly player Shahd El-Shawarbey noted that the team’s preparation and tactical management by the coaching staff were critical to the result. “The technical staff succeeded in dividing the physical load on us during the two matches to maintain the team’s performance,” El-Shawarbey told FilGoal. She added that despite trailing by three goals during the final, the team maintained confidence that they could secure the win.
Overcoming External Pressure
The triumph in Angola carries additional weight given the team’s recent history in the competition. El-Shawarbey stated that the squad had faced substantial criticism in previous seasons following early exits. She characterized the feedback as a source of motivation, noting that the team used the experience to build the necessary depth to compete at the top level.
“I think we are the team in the club that has been criticized the most recently, but it is normal for me as long as it is constructive criticism,” El-Shawarbey said. “The fans are always looking for a win, which is their right, and the matter served as a greater incentive for us to build the experience needed to achieve our goal.”
Building Without Foreign Reinforcements
A notable aspect of the campaign was Al Ahly’s decision to compete without international professional players. El-Shawarbey emphasized that this was a deliberate challenge, with the team relying entirely on homegrown talent. The club’s management supported the team’s participation despite some external calls against traveling, due to their confidence in the players.
The victory also marks a milestone for the club’s handball program, as the women’s team joined the men’s side in holding the African Champions League title simultaneously. This achievement represents the first time in history that both the men’s and women’s programs have held the continental crown at the same time.
Tournament Context and Legacy
The win serves as a major shift in the balance of power within African women’s club handball. Since 1996, the title has been held exclusively by clubs from Angola. Al Ahly’s victory in the final at the heart of the host nation is the first time a non-Angolan team has claimed the trophy since 1996. The coaching staff is led by Mohamed Adel (Zola).
