Al Ahly edged Monterrey to reach the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals
Mohamed Hany booked the Egyptians a meeting with Palmeiras
It was Ahly’s first-ever victory over Monterrey in the teams’ third meeting
Al Ahly 1-0 Monterrey
Goals: Mohamed Hany (53).
Alibaba Cloud Match Award
Rami Rabia (Al Ahly).
Moments
Al Nahyan erupts The Al Nahyan Stadium was painted red by a sea of fanatical Al Ahly followers. They were roaring from the off, but shortly into the second half the decibel levels were deafening. Mohamed Hany employed immaculate technique to fizz a volley home and break the deadlock. They could problem hear the noise it created in Cairo!
Job done The final whistle was met with inimitable ecstasy by the Ahly players. Several dropped to the turf to pray, others jumped uncontrollably and Rabia ran to the supporters and pounded his fist into his chest.
Quote
“The kind of players they have and the players they buy. Their budget is maybe ten times ours, we played under difficult conditions missing seven starting players. Then we lost two players with injuries. We had to adjust and play Afsha in midfield with Dieng instead of his normal position in attack. My main analyst, who is the guy who dissects the teams we play against, was down with COVID and I was down with COVID too. But football is beautiful.” Pitso Mosimane
Stats
18 The goal was Hany’s first in 18 months. According to oddsmakers, he was the least likely of the 20 outfield starters to open the scoring. 16 Al Ahly played their 16th game at the tournament tonight, taking the outright record for most matches played they had shared with Auckland City.
Up next
Second round Al Hilal-Al Jazira Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday, 8:30pm local time Semi-finals Palmeiras-Al Ahly Al Nahyan Stadium on Tuesday, 8:30pm local time Al Hilal or Al Jazira-Chelsea Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday, 8:30pm local time