December 15, (THEWILL) – Egyptian football club Al Ahly secured their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Playing at the King Abdulla Sports City stadium in Saudi Arabia, Al Ahly dominated the match and will now prepare to face Brazilian team Fluminense in the semi-finals on Monday.
Al Ahly opened the scoring in the 21st minute when defender Ali Maaloul, converted a penalty after Al Ittihad’s Hassan Kadesh, was called for a handball in the box. Despite Al Ittihad and manager Marcelo Gallardo, pushing for an equaliser, Al Ahly doubled their lead just before the 60th minute when Hussein El Shahat curled in a shot from another assist by Kahraba. Three minutes later, Kahraba set up another goal when his cross found Emam Ashour, who slotted it home to make it 3-0.
The main talking point came in the second half when former Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, had a chance to bring Al Ittihad within one. Awarded a penalty after Al Ahly’s Mohamed Abdelmonem was called for a handball, Benzema stepped up to take the shot but was denied by a tremendous save from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
While Benzema did finally get on the scoresheet to make it 3-1 in stoppage time, it was too little too late. Minutes earlier, Al Ahly’s Anthony Modeste had been sent off, but Al Ahly still comfortably held on to advance. They now prepare for Brazilian side Fluminense while the other semi-final sees Manchester City take on Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
