Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly delivered an emphatic performance to secure a commanding 3-1 victory over Al Ittihad in the FIFA Club World Cup, earning themselves a spot in the semi-finals.
The match took place on Friday, and Al Ahly’s African champions exhibited composure and dominance throughout.
The Saudi hosts, Al Ittihad, fielded a star-studded lineup featuring global football icons such as Karim Benzema and Fabinho, but Al Ahly remained unfazed. T
he Cairo-based team got off to a strong start when Ali Maaloul converted a penalty midway through the first half, capitalizing on a handball decision against Hassan Kadesh. Maaloul’s penalty was perfectly executed, sending goalkeeper Abdullah Almayouf the wrong way.
However, the turning point of the first half came when legendary Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy denied Karim Benzema from the penalty spot, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities.
In the second half, Al Ahly continued to assert their dominance. Hussein Elshahat curled in a magnificent goal, extending their lead. Just three minutes later, Emam Ashour completed a swift counter-attacking move, effectively putting the game out of reach for Al Ittihad.
While Karim Benzema managed to score a late consolation goal for Al Ittihad, it had little impact on the outcome. Al Ahly’s performance was masterful, and they confidently secured their spot in the semi-finals, setting up a highly anticipated clash with South American champions Fluminense on Monday.
In summary, Al Ahly’s composed and dominant display against Al Ittihad in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals resulted in a convincing 3-1 victory, with their goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy playing a pivotal role in thwarting Al Ittihad’s attempts to stage a comeback. This win has undoubtedly boosted Al Ahly’s confidence as they head into the semi-finals against Fluminense.
