Al-Ahly cruised into the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Al-Ittihad in the quarter-finals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Friday night.
The reigning Saudi Pro League brushed aside Auckland City in the first round previously but were no match for their Egyptian opponents as Tunisia’s Ali Maaloul gave them the lead in the 21st minute from the penalty spot.
Al-Ittihad had the chance to equalise also from the penalty spot in the 45th minute but Franco-Algerian star Karim Benzema’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Hussein El Shahat and Emam Ashour extended Al-Ahly’s lead in the 59th and 62nd minute thanks to a brace of assists from Mahmoud Kahraba. The Red Devils were however reduced to 10 men after French forward Anthony Modeste was sent off in added time having come in the 87th minute.
Benzema managed to net Al-Ittihad’s consolation goal moments after the red card.
Semi-Finals Mood ????#YallaYaAhly pic.twitter.com/8nldktP1yQ
— Al Ahly SC ???????? (@AlAhlyEnglish) December 15, 2023
The victory sends Al-Ahly into the Club World Cup semi-finals for the sixth time and will get to face South American champions Fluminense on Monday.
