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African Handball Champions League Kicks Off in Morocco: A Showcase of Talent and Competition
The 45th edition of the African Handball Champions League has officially launched in Laayoune, Morocco, from October 10 to October 19, bringing together the continent's top clubs in both men's and women's categories. With 27 teams from 11 African nations participating, the tournament promises to deliver exciting matches and showcase emerging talents.
This year, the event has generated significant anticipation among Arab clubs, particularly Egypt's renowned teams, Al Ahly and Zamalek, alongside Moroccan contenders Raja Agadir, Derb Sultan Forum, and Widad Smara. These five Arab clubs are vying for the prestigious continental title, which holds immense significance, especially for Al Ahly and Zamalek. Both clubs recently gained international experience by competing in the IHF Super Globe, with Al Ahly finishing third and Zamalek securing sixth place. This experience positions them as strong contenders for the championship title in this tournament.
The Moroccan clubs will aim to leverage their home-court advantage and the enthusiastic support of local fans, which could boost their morale and enhance their performance in the competition. Their objective will be not only to challenge for the title but also to secure a place among the final four teams.
The competition is structured with a total of 27 squads, with the men's tournament featuring 16 teams divided into four groups of four, while the women's tournament includes 11 teams split into three groups.
In the men’s tournament, Group A consists of Al Ahly (Egypt), Mikeli 70 Enderta (Ethiopia), EFSI GSSU (Congo), and Etoile (Congo). Group B includes Raja Agadir (Morocco), FAP Yaoundé (Cameroon), Don Bosco (Ivory Coast), and Flowers CN SS (Benin). Group C features Zamalek (Egypt), Derb Sultan Forum (Morocco), Kirkos (Ethiopia), and Friendship HBC (Cameroon). Lastly, Group D comprises Widad Smara (Morocco), Micheals Sports Club (Ethiopia), Adjidja HBC (Benin), and ASF Asfa (Senegal).
On the women’s side, Group A includes Primeiro de Agosto (Angola), FAP Yaoundé (Cameroon), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and Association Sportive Feminine du Sahel (Tunisia). Group B features Al Ahly (Egypt), Otoho (Congo), and Flowers CN SS (Benin). Group C comprises Petro Atletico Luanda (Angola), Andre Nziko (Cameroon), Union Nouasser (Morocco), and Beux (Nigeria).
Established in 1979, the African Handball Champions League is the premier club competition on the continent. Zamalek holds the record with 12 titles, having won three consecutive championships in the early years of the tournament. Mouloudia Club of Algeria follows closely with 11 titles, while Al Ahly boasts six championship victories.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the teams vying for glory, with a strong focus on the emerging talents and seasoned players ready to make their mark on this prestigious stage. The African Handball Champions League continues to be a platform for athletic excellence and a celebration of handball across the continent.