By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 17 – African champions Al Ahly from Egypt eliminated hosts Al-Ittihad from the Club World Cup with a resounding 3-1 win to set up a semi-final against Brazil’s Fluminense. Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds complete the last-four line-up and will face Manchester City.
All the firepower and experience of Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N’golo Kante was not enough to steer Al-Ittihad past Al Ahly of Egypt.
They had breezed past Auckland 3-0 in the first round, but were on the wrong end of a two-goal defeat against the Egyptians to bow out of the tournament on home soil, the first FIFA competition in Saudi Arabia since the 1997 Confederations Cup.
After a balanced opening first 20 minutes, Ali Maaloul converted a penalty for the visitors, 1-0. Al Ahly enjoyed the upper hand with Kante providing attacking impetus for Al-Ittihad at times. Benzema had a meek attempt saved in the 38th minute and turned anti-hero on the stroke of half-time when Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy denied his penalty kick.
The Saudi club returned from the dressing room on the front foot and Faisal Al Ghamdi saw his attempt ricochet off the woodwork, but it was Al Ahly who found the back of the net twice in the space of three minutes to decide the match.
In the 59th minute, Hussein El Shahat curled the ball beyond the Al-Ittihad goalkeeper with great precision before Eman Ashour got Al Ahly’s third.
It was a well deserved win for the Africans after demonstrating greater quality and tenacity throughout the match. The home fans left the stadium in droves before Anthony Modeste was sent off. In injury time, Benzema, peripheral throughout the 90 minutes, pulled back a consolation goal.
In Friday’s other second-round match, Urawa Reds of Japan defeated ten-man Leon of Mexico 1-0 following a second-half strike from Alex Schalk.
The Asian champions will meet Champions League winner Manchester City for a place in the final on Tuesday. Al Ahly face Fluminense of Brazil on Monday in the other semi-final.
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