Ahly line-up Sounders clash at CWC after defeating Auckland City
Egyptian giants Al Ahly have secured a place in the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) after an impressive victory 3-0 over Auckland City on Wednesday.
The match, which took place at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, saw Cairo-based side cruise to the emphatic win against the Oceania champions.
The Cairo-based club dominated the contest but had to wait until injury time in the first-half to open the scoring thanks to a strike by Hussein El Shahat.
El Shahat broke the deadlock when he cut inside from the left wing before unleashing a low drive from 30 yards that beat Auckland City goalkeeper Conor Tracey. The first-half ended with Al Ahly leading 1-0.
The second-half saw Mohamed Sherif double the lead for Al Ahly. Sherif beat the offside trap and neatly slotted the ball past Tracey to make it 2-0, effectively ending the game as a contest. Auckland City were unable to mount a significant attacking threat.
South Africa international Percy Tau rounded off a comprehensive performance for Al Ahly with a third goal. The goal was set up by a brilliant back-heel assist by Kahraba, which allowed Tau to score a simple finish and seal the 3-0 victory for the Egyptian side.
The win sets Al Ahly up for encounter against American MLS side Seattle Sounders. The match will take place at the same venue on Saturday and the winner will face Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
The Club World Cup, which brings together the champions of each of FIFA's six continental governing bodies, is being hosted by Morocco.
The tournament will see home favourites and African champions Wydad Casablanca take on Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in their second round tie on Saturday. The winner of that match will go on to meet Brazilian outfit Flamengo in the semi-finals.
Al Ahly has a rich history in the Club World Cup, having won the bronze medal in the previous two editions of the tournament. The club will be hoping to continue their impressive run and go one better this year.
With their comprehensive victory over Auckland City, Al Ahly has sent a message to the other teams in the tournament and will be looking to maintain their momentum as they take on Seattle Sounders.