Egyptian and African champions, Al Ahly, secured a 3-0 win over Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates in the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Tuesday at Cairo International Stadium.
This victory secured Al Ahly the title of the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
The Red Devils will now face the winner of the match between CONMEBOL’s representative and CF Pachuca in the Challenger Cup on 14 December, with European champions Real Madrid awaiting the winner in the final on 18 December.
Al Ahly missed two opportunities to take the lead in the opening 10 minutes, as Hussein El-Shahat and Wessam Abou Ali were both denied by the Emirati goalkeeper.
In the 33rd minute, Palestinian striker Abou Ali redeemed himself by capitalizing on a crucial mistake by Al Ain’s Portuguese defender, Fabio Cardoso, inside the penalty area.
Abou Ali intercepted a short pass intended for goalkeeper Khalid Eisa and skillfully tapped the ball into the net, giving the hosts the lead.
Backed by over 70,000 supporters, Al Ahly kept up the pressure, and Emam Ashour extended the lead in the 56th minute with a brilliant volley from inside the box.
In a dramatic finish, substitute Omar Kamal earned a penalty during injury time, sealing the Red Devils’ victory over Al Ain after the Turkish referee signaled eight minutes of added time.
