Morocco is currently hosting the FIFA Club World Cup, with representation from two African clubs: Raja Casablanca and Al Ahly from Egypt. Raja Casablanca has already secured a place in the quarter-finals by defeating the New Zealand champions Auckland City 2-1.
Al Ahly, the reigning African Champions, is set to play in the quarter-finals against Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande FC on December 14. This will be Al Ahly’s fifth appearance in the Club World Cup, and they are hoping for strong support from Moroccan fans, given the Arab connection, to make a significant impact. A victory against Guangzhou Evergrande FC would set up a historic encounter with European champions Bayern Munich in the semi-finals on December 17.
Coach Mohamed Youssef is optimistic about the team’s chances, emphasizing the advantage of playing in Morocco with Arab support. Al Ahly will miss striker Ahmed Abdel Zaher, who is suspended, but the squad is otherwise complete. Playmaker Mohamed Aboutrika has announced his retirement at the end of this Club World Cup. Al Ahly’s best performance in the Club World Cup was a third-place finish in 2006.
