Mighty Ahly seek fresh FIFA Club Wolrd Cup glory

Egyptian giants Al Ahly will attempt to shake off their recent struggles when they face Saudi champions Al Ittihad in the Fifa Club World Cup quarter-finals on Friday.

The Cairo club are appearing at a record-extending ninth Club World Cup in search of a first title since 2006.

But their form heading into the tournament will be a concern for coach Marcel Koller after just one win in their last five matches.

"We are not at our best but we will give our all to make our fans proud," Koller admitted this week.

With three previous third-place finishes to their name, Ahly have an opportunity to match TP Mazembe and Raja Casablanca's achievement of reaching the semi-finals.

Midfield dynamo Hussein El Shahat, the tournament's record appearance maker with 12 games, emphasised the team's determination "to defend the great name of our club and Egyptian football."

They face an Al Ittihad side able to call on an array of superstar signings, including Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N'Golo Kante.

The Saudi outfit cruised past Auckland City 3-0 in the opening play-off round.

"Every team wants to win this tournament," warned French striker Benzema.

But with considerable Club World Cup experience on their side, Ahly's decorated veterans hope they can overcome their dip and seize fresh global glory.