African giants Al Ahly will clash with Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup semi-final in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday at 17:00 GMT.
The Mexican club earned their spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brazil’s Botafogo on Wednesday, setting the stage for a showdown with the Egyptian powerhouse.
Al Ahly advanced to the semi-finals following their 3-0 triumph over UAE’s Al Ain in October’s FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
Pachuca go into the game with momentum after their emphatic win, but Al Ahly’s vast experience in international tournaments could tilt the scales in their favor.
With 12 CAF Champions League titles and a track record of success on the global stage, Al Ahly’s players are confident.
Midfielder Marwan Attia described the team’s readiness, calling such challenges part of their identity. Defender Omar Kamal emphasized their resilience in high-pressure moments.
The prospect of facing Real Madrid adds extra motivation, as Al Ahly aim to cement their legacy by representing Africa in the final.