Al Ahly Look To Banish Unwanted FIFA Club World Cup Record Ahead of Fluminense Clash

• Al Ahly secured a crucial victory against Saudi club Al Ittihad
• The African champions are set to face Brazilian club Fluminense
• The Egyptian club will be looking to banish an unwanted record

Al Ahly continued their quest for a maiden FIFA Club World Cup triumph with a victory against Saudi Pro League giant Al Itthad.

The African champions, who appeared as the underdog in the clash, made light work of their Saudi opponent on the night, with Tunisian fullback Ali Maaloui racing opening the scoring on the night from the penalty spot. Forward Hussein El Shahat added a second shortly after former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema missed from 12 yards out.

Marcel Koller’s side would wrap up an emphatic victory with a third goal from 25-year-old midfielder Eman Ashour, who scored off an assist from striker Mahmoud Kahraba.

Meet the top 4 African stars who played for Eintracht Frankfurt

Football

The victory ensured the CAF Champions League winners secured passage into the competition's final four, as Diario AS reported. However, ahead of their semi-final clash, which is set to be against South America’s Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense, the Egyptian side are faced with an unwanted record which they would hope to banish when they square off at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on December 18.

Al Ahly to banish unwanted record

The 11-time African Champions hold the record for the most FIFA Club World Cup semi-final appearances without reaching a final — six, according to data courtesy of Opta.

The team's best achievement in the tournament remains their third-place finish, which was achieved under the reins of Pitso Mosimane in February 2022.

The Egyptian Red Devils will, however, hope they can go one better this time when they square up against Fernando Diniz’s side.

Benzema misses penalty against Al Ahly

Real Madrid goalkeeper shares bizarre encounter during La Liga victory against Granada

Football

Sports Brief in a previous report highlighted former Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema missed a penalty in the quarter-final clash between Al Ahly and Al Ittihad.

The 35-year-old saw his shot saved by Egyptian shot-stopper Mohammed El Shenawi.

The former French international, however, redeemed himself with a late strike at the death of the game, which wasn’t enough to secure a result for Marcelo Gallardo’s side.