Saudi Arabia to host CAF Super Cup

The 2023 CAF Super Cup match between Al Ahly of Egypt and USM Alger of Algeria will be staged in the Saudi Arabian city of Taif on September 15, the organisers announced on Saturday.

Ahly qualified for the annual match by winning the Champions League and USM by capturing the second-tier Confederation Cup.

First staged in 1993, the Super Cup has been won a record eight times by Ahly, followed by fellow Egyptians Zamalek (four titles) and TP Mazembe (three) from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Saudi Arabia is the second Middle East country after four-time hosts Qatar to host the Super Cup match.

"We are excited to take the Super Cup to a new territory in Saudi Arabia -- a country that has been making significant strides in global football," said CAF general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba.

"It is fitting that, in an era where many international stars are heading to Saudi Arabia, African football is also part of the movement."

Reigning African Football of the Year Sadio Mane from Senegal is among many stars lured to the cash-rich Saudi league this year, teaming up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.