Benzema Misses Penalty as African Champions Al Ahly Tear Apart Al Ittihad at Club World Cup

• Al Ahly have beaten Al-Ittihad at the Club World Cup
• The African champions have progressed to the third round
• Al Ahly will face South American champions Fluminense in the semi-final

African champions Al Ahly have eliminated star-studded Al-Ittihad from the Club World Cup after an impressive 3-1 victory at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Despite going into the game as the less-fancied side, Al Ahly dominated the early exchanges, taking the lead through Ali Maalool from the spot in the 21st minute.

Former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema had the chance to level for the Saudi giants from the spot just before half-time, but his effort was saved by El Shenawy.

After the break, the Red Devils doubled the advantage through Hussein El Shahat before Eman Ashour extended the lead three minutes later.

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With three goals within an hour, the Egyptians began to control the game despite the influx of attack from Al-Ittihad.

Just before the final whistle French forward Anthony Modeste was sent off as Al Ahly were reduced to ten men.

Benzema redeemed himself with a last-gasp strike but it was too late as the 11-time African champions advanced to the third round.

Al-Ittihad had beaten Auckland City FC in the first round with Benzema and N'Golo Kante all on target.

Ahmed Mido backed Al Ahly to beat Al-Ittihad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Egypt legend Ahmed Hossam Mido backed African champions Al Ahly to beat mega-rich Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in the Club World Cup second-round clash on Friday.

The Egyptian giants came into the game as the less-fancied side following the major acquisitions by Al-Ittihad in the summer transfer window.

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The Saudi Arabian outfit have added UEFA Champions League winners N'Golo Kante, Fabinho and former Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema to their squad before the start of the season.

Kahraba unfazed by Al-Ittihad's big names

Sports Brief also reported that Al Ahly midfielder, Mahmoud Kahraba is unfazed by the big names in the Al-Ittihad team ahead of their Club World Cup clash in Saudi Arabia on Friday night.

The Egyptian midfielder returns to the Asian country for the first time since 2018 to face his former club at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Kahraba is expected to play a huge role if the African champions are to advance in the competition.