PYRAMIDS FC AFRICA'S NEW CHAMPIONS

Like Arsenal Women, there were underdog winners in the men's CAF Champions League. Renamed in 2018, the Egyptian winners didn't even have a domestic league title in the bank

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The expanded men’s Club World Cup may be ongoing, but the first four qualifiers for the 2029 tournament have already been confirmed. Hurrah! Paris Saint-Germain bagged their spot thanks to their record 5-0 Champions League final triumph over Inter, while Mexican side Cruz Azul have qualified thanks to their own 5-0 victory, over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Ivan Toney’s Al Ahli also made it by winning the Asian Champions League - Franck Kessie was a goalscorer in the final as the Saudi Arabian side beat Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale, aided by Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Ezgjan Alioski.

Al Ahli only finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League this year, but Toney scored as they defeated compatriots Al Hilal in the semis, after victories over teams including Thailand’s Buriram United, Iraq's Al Shorta and Iran’s Persepolis.

Like PSG and Al Ahli, Pyramids FC have also been crowned continental kings following Middle East investment, which prompted a name change and relocation as recently as 2018.