Boasting an impressive record of 25 matches played across nine appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup, the African and Egyptian champions Al Ahly upheld their dominance over Asian opponents, securing a podium finish. This achievement adds to their previous successes in 2006, 2020, and 2021.
Yet, the lingering disappointment persists as they have never reached the final game despite participating in the semi-finals on six occasions.
The scoring commenced in the 19th minute when defender Yasser Ibrahim netted, providing Ahly with a well-deserved lead.
South African winger Percy Tau then doubled the score just six minutes later from close range, capitalizing on Ahmed “Koka” Hassan’s successful dispossessing of the last defender.
In the waning moments of the first half, Urawa Reds’ Guinean striker Jose Kante found the back of the net, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Ahly to unleash a powerful strike from inside the area.
The Japanese side leveled the score in the 54th minute, with midfielder Alexander Scholz converting from the penalty spot.
In the 60th minute, Ahly regained their lead as defender Koizumi inadvertently deflected a powerful strike from Ahly’s left-back, Ali Maaloul, into his own net.
Despite a golden opportunity to seal the victory, the Tunisian full-back missed a penalty kick in the 74th minute. However, he redeemed himself in injury time with an unstoppable free-kick from outside the area that found the far corner of the goal.
From the beginning, Ahly dominated the game, asserting their superiority over the Asian champions and securing an early lead.
The Red Devils started the tournament positively, clinching a 3-1 victory over hosts Ittihad Jeddah in the quarterfinals. However, they faced a setback in the semifinals, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil’s Fluminense.
Ahly remains the second-most frequent participant in the Club World Cup, trailing behind Auckland City.
