K.O. 20:00 Cairo local time | 13:00 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Cairo International Stadium
Referee: Halil Umut Meler
Egyptian and African champions, Al Ahly, will kick off their campaign in the inaugural FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Al Ain FC from the United Arab Emirates at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.
This will be the first official meeting between the two clubs as they compete for the title in the African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Lifted by their recent Egyptian Super Cup victory over arch-rivals Zamalek, Al Ahly heads into the match against Al Ain with strong morale.
“At Al Ahly, there’s always an expectation to win every title. Today’s victory gives us momentum moving forward. We’re thrilled with the Super Cup win; it’s a boost for the rest of the season,” said Ahly coach Marcel Koller following the Zamalek match.
The Swiss coach will lean on his squad’s depth and the energy of a packed Cairo stadium to challenge their star-studded opponents.
However, Ahly’s forwards have recently struggled with finishing. Top league scorer Wessam Abou Ali, along with Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau, will look to sharpen their form, while influential midfielder Emam Ashour is still working to rediscover his spark.
In defense, Ahly faces some setbacks. Center-back Yousef Aymen is out with a concussion, right-back Mohamed Hany remains sidelined due to a thigh injury, and Morocco international Achraf Dari has only just returned to full training and may not yet be match-fit.
Rami Rabia and Yasser Ibrahim, who have both recovered from minor injuries, remain the primary options in central defense.
FIFA has introduced the Intercontinental Cup as a replacement for the Club World Cup, which has been expanded and moved to the summer.
This prestigious tournament, launched on September 22, brings together champions from five continents: AFC champions Al Ain from the UAE, European champions Real Madrid, Auckland City FC from New Zealand (OFC Champions League winners), Copa Libertadores champions from South America, and Mexico’s CF Pachuca, the CONCACAF champions.
Al Ain showcased their strength with a dominant 6-2 win over Auckland City in their opening match at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, setting up their clash with Al Ahly.
On December 11, the South American champions will face CF Pachuca.
The winner of the Al Ahly vs. Al Ain match will face the victor of the South America-CF Pachuca match to determine who advances to the final.
The final, scheduled for December 18, will feature Real Madrid against the winner of the semifinal matchup.
