Belaïli two steps away from breaking Aboutrika's record in CAF Champions League

Algerian Youssef Belaili is closing in on etching his name in the CAF Champions League records, as he is just two decisive contributions away from surpassing the legendary Al Ahly FC player Mohamed Aboutrika as the player with the most contributions to goals in the competition.

Belaïli currently has 47 goal contributions in the CAF Champions League, consisting of 18 goals and 29 assists. He needs just one more contribution to equal Aboutrika's record of 48 contributions, while scoring two more would see him take the record outright.

The statistics reveal a clear advantage for Belaïli in terms of speed in reaching this number, achieving it in 7 editions and 61 matches, compared to Aboutrika's 48 contributions in 9 editions and 88 matches.

The Algerian winger averages about 0.77 contributions per match, compared to 0.55 for the former Egyptian star, in a statistic that reflects Blaili's notable attacking presence in the CAF Champions League.

Belaïli has an impressive record in the CAF Champions League, having won the title twice in a row with Espérance Sportive de Tunis in 2018 and 2019, benefiting from his technical abilities in creating chances and scoring, along with his decisive passes which have reached a total of 29.

The player's return to Al Ahly FC this season gives him a new opportunity to continue chasing the record, after he was officially allowed to return to competitions following the lifting of his suspension.

Espérance de Tunis begin their CAF Champions League campaign for the 2026-2027 season in the second preliminary round, having received a bye in the first round. They will face Al-Suwaihli from Libya, who secured their qualification by defeating KVZ FC from Zanzibar with an aggregate score of 4-0, winning 1-0 in the first leg and 3-0 in the second leg.

The first leg match is scheduled to take place between October 16 and 18, with the return leg set for October 23 to 25, according to the CAF calendar.

The upcoming matches present an opportunity for Bounedjah to reach his 48th contribution and equal Aboutrika's record, before aiming to surpass it and hold the record for the most contributions in the CAF Champions League.