Al Ahly have been drawn against Raja in a high-profile African Confederation Cup group-stage meeting that brings together two of the continent’s most established clubs.
The fixture is expected to be closely contested, with the Egyptian and Moroccan sides separated by little in terms of quality and backed by large and passionate support. Their previous encounters have regularly produced competitive matches, whether in knockout ties or contests for African silverware.
The latest draw revives a rivalry that has featured prominently in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup. Al Ahly and Raja have faced one another several times in decisive matches over recent years, creating a long record of important meetings between the clubs.
Al Ahly came out on top in their Champions League quarter-final ties in 2022 and 2023. They also won the 2021 African Super Cup against Raja, prevailing 7-6 on penalties after the match finished 1-1.
The clubs had previously met in the final of the 1996 Arab Club Champions Cup in Cairo, where Al Ahly secured a 3-1 victory over Raja.
Those results, however, are unlikely to make the next meeting straightforward. The group-stage encounter offers both teams a fresh opportunity to underline their credentials and progress further in the competition.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Al Ahly and Raja have played 11 African matches against each other. Al Ahly have won four, Raja have claimed two victories and the remaining five games have ended in draws.
Al Ahly have scored 13 goals in those meetings, while Raja have found the net 11 times.
The importance of the fixture is heightened by the composition of the group, which also includes Togolese club ASKO Kara and Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto. With qualification at stake, every point is likely to carry significant weight as the teams compete for a place in the next round.
The latest meeting therefore combines a familiar rivalry with a demanding group-stage calculation. Neither side can rely on the history between them, with both required to collect points against strong opposition if they are to advance.