21:00 Cairo local time | 14:00 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger (Tanger)
Ahly is set to kick off their campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday when they will face Auckland City of New Zealand in the tournament’s opener at Ibn Batouta stadium in Morocco’s Tangier.
The Red Devils are making their eighth appearance – the third in a row – in the FIFA Club World Cup.
After winning the bronze medal in the past two editions, Ahly, who are participating in this edition alongside African champions and hosts Wydad de Casablanca, dream of going further than before.
“We want to go all the way,” Ahly’s winger Ahmed Abdel-Qader told the FIFA official website.
“We want to give it our all and bring home the winner’s medal.”
“We have great ambition as well as a historic affiliation with the tournament, having taken part on seven previous occasions.”
The Egyptian team is fully ready for the tournament as they made important recruitments in this winter transfer window in order to well perform in the world tournament.
They signed midfielder Marwan Atteya from Ittihad of Alexandria, Smouha defender Khaled Abdel-Fattah and Tunisian winger Mohamed Dhaoui.
The team will also regain the services of South African forward Percy Tau and lively winger Taher Mohamed, who have recovered from injuries.
With the likes of Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng, in-form fullback Ali Maaloul and classy winger Ahmed Abdel-Qader, Ahly are widely favorite to win Wednesday’s clash against the OFC Champions Auckland City.
If they managed to win the game, they will take on US side Seattle Sounders on Saturday 4 February with the winner will have a historical meeting against Spanish giants Real Madrid, UEFA Champions league winners on Wednesday 8 February.
“We respect Auckland City, just as we respect every other team we face,” Abdel-Qader added.
“Every participating side is capable of putting on a strong performance, and we respect all our competitors.
“We must approach every match on its own merit, and this game is no different. And yes, we have watched several of their games and know what they are capable of.
“We’re aware of how difficult each game will be, and every stage poses a different challenge.
“The only way to deal with it is by preparing well and performing on the pitch. Every team here can win games, so we need to be prepared for these difficult battles,” he concluded.
