In the upcoming semifinals on Monday, Al Ahly is set to challenge Fluminense, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup
On Friday, Al Ahly from Egypt secured a comfortable 3-1 victory against Al-Ittihad, earning them a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals. Despite Karim Benzema missing a penalty, he later managed to score for the Saudi side. The African champions are now set to challenge Copa Libertadores title holders Fluminense of Brazil in the upcoming semifinals on Monday.
Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly has unveiled their 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, with the recent acquisition Anthony Modeste leading the charge. The Cairo-based team has omitted the injured duo of Mohamed Abdelmonem and Reda Selim but boasts a wealth of talent for the tournament.
A notable inclusion is the French striker Modeste, who joined Al Ahly in August following a stint with German club Borussia Dortmund. The squad also features South African winger Percy Tau, formerly associated with Premier League side Brighton, adding a significant threat from the wide areas.
The experienced goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy will play a pivotal role in marshaling the defense as Al Ahly aims to surpass their third-placed finish in the last Club World Cup held in February. The tournament kicks off for Al Ahly with a match against Saudi champions Al Ittihad on Friday.
This marks Al Ahly’s record-extending 10th appearance in the Club World Cup as they strive to improve on their prior third-place finishes. Armed with attacking talents like Modeste and Tau, Al Ahly possesses the offensive prowess to challenge any opponent in Saudi Arabia.
The opening goal occurred in the 21st minute when Al Ahly’s left-back, Ali Maaloul, converted a penalty awarded for a handball by Al-Ittihad’s defender Hassan Kadesh. Marcelo Bielsa’s team fought for an equalizer and received a penalty for a handball by Al Ahly’s defender Mohamed Abdelmonem. However, Benzema’s attempt was thwarted by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Al Ahly extended their lead just before the hour mark when Hussein El Shahat netted a goal, assisted by Kahraba. Three minutes later, Kahraba’s cross-shot was met by Emam Ashour after a swift counter-attack.
Despite Al-Ittihad’s last-minute consolation goal from Benzema, Al Ahly secured the victory. Anthony Modeste, who came on for Aliou Dieng, was sent off in the 90th minute.
In the other semifinal on Tuesday, European champions Manchester City will face Asian Champions League holders Urawa Red Diamonds, who defeated CONCACAF champions Leon 1-0 earlier on Friday.