14 November 2005, by Tom Kundert

Manuel José guides Al Ahly to African Champions League triumph

José Mourinho is not the only Portuguese coach enjoying success abroad. Former Benfica, Boavista and Belenenses boss Manuel José has led Egyptian team Al Ahly to the very summit of African club football.

The Egyptian champions beat Etoile Sahel of Tunisia 3-0 in Cairo on Saturday in the second leg of the African Champions League final to lift the trophy. The first leg had ended goalless.

Manuel José puts his remarkable success in Egypt - the win extends his team’s unbeaten run to more than 50 matches - down to installing a European level of professionalism in his highly talented players.

José went so far as to say, “this team is as at the same level as a top European team, and has players who can make the difference in tight matches.”

“We have shown that we are the best team in Africa. I was convinced of that. In the competition we didn’t lose any matches, we only let in three goals and we scored 23,” added the delighted manager.

World Club Championship awaits

Al Ahly will now play at FIFA’s World Club Championship in Japan next month, along with representatives from the other continents: Liverpool, São Paulo, Al Ittihad, Saprissa and Sydney.

“We’ve achieved an objective that was set last season,” said José. “Egypt didn’t qualify for the World Cup so it was important for the country for us to reach the World Club Championship.”