Al Ahly’s journey in the Club World Cup depends on a high-stakes clash against Brazilian giants Palmeiras on Thursday.
After both teams opened Group A with goalless draws, Al Ahly against Inter Miami and Palmeiras against Porto, the second-round fixture could shape their path toward the round of sixteen.
This isn’t the first time these clubs lock horns on the global stage. Thursday’s meeting will mark the third Club World Cup encounter between Al Ahly and Palmeiras.
Their first meeting came in Qatar on February 11, 2021, in the third-place playoff. After a 0-0 draw, Al Ahly triumphed 3-2 on penalties. Badr Bannon, Mohamed Hani, and Junior Ajayi scored for the Egyptian side, while keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy saved the final kick from Felipe Melo. Pitso Mosimane and Abel Ferreira were the coaches then.
The second showdown was on February 8, 2022, in the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi. Palmeiras claimed a 2-0 victory to reach the final, with Vega and Dodo on the scoresheet.
From that squad, several Al Ahly players remain, ready for another historic battle.
