Semi-final clash at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Al Ahly’s journey in the Club World Cup came to an end as the reigning African champions faced a formidable challenge from Fluminense, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat. The encounter marked the fourth attempt by Al Ahly to break through the glass ceiling at the prestigious tournament since 2020.
From the outset, Al Ahly demonstrated their offensive prowess, with South African Percy Tau launching the first shot of the match within five minutes, deflecting it for a corner.
However, Fluminense responded swiftly, as John Arias’s powerful shot rattled against the post, setting the tone for an intense battle on the field.
Despite waves of offensive maneuvers by Al Ahly in the Brazilian camp, including attempts by Hussein El Shahat and Yasser Ibrahim, they found themselves thwarted by the resilient defense of Fluminense.
Kahraba’s late attempt was also expertly blocked by goalkeeper Fabio, underscoring the Brazilian team’s determination to deny the Egyptians a breakthrough.
As the second half commenced, Nino’s strike sent a shiver through the Egyptian camp, narrowly missing the goal.
Al Ahly fought back, with El Shahat’s determined effort saved by Fabio.
However, Fluminense seized the lead with Arias converting a penalty in the 70th minute, marking a crucial turning point in the match.
Despite Al Ahly’s valiant attempts to level the score, Fabio’s outstanding saves, including a point-blank stop against Tau and a denial of Taher Mohamed’s attempt, showcased the Brazilian goalkeeper’s exceptional form.
In a dramatic twist, Fluminense secured the victory with Kennedy scoring in the 90th minute, sealing Al Ahly’s fate.
The defeat proved to be a poignant moment for Al Ahly, emphasizing the challenges faced when confronting top-tier international competition.
Fluminense’s clinical performance and resilience under pressure propelled them to the Club World Cup final, leaving Al Ahly to reflect on the elusive quest for victory on this prestigious stage.
