After failing to make it through the final, Al Ahly could be satisfied with bronze medal as the Egyptian giants take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal for the third-place playoff in FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.

The meeting is set to kick off at 13:00 GMT at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi. A game which Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane described as a “big game” as they will try to save honor.

The South American champions Palmeiras beat Ahly 2-0 in the semis to avenge last year’s defeat at the hands of the Red Devils in the third-place playoff. And the Brazilian giants are set up a final against European champions Chelsea, who laboured to a 1-0 win over Al Hilal.

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“Al Hilal played a great game against Chelsea. And they were close to equalising the score.” Mosimane told a news conference.

“It will be a big game. And I have great respect for Al Hilal, as they are the champions of Saudi Arabia and Asia.

“We respect our opponents. But we have a goal and we are keen to achieve it. Our goal is to win the bronze medal this year.”

A win for Ahly will further boost Mosimane’s chances of agreeing a new deal to prolong his stay at Ahly, with both sides currently in talks to extend his contract.

Since taking charge in October 2020, the 57-year-old has led Ahly to back-to-back African Champions League crowns, an Egypt Cup title and two African Super Cups.

Ahly will have to do without playmaker Magdi Afsha. The midfilder was suspended after picking up a second yellow card against Palmeiras. The defender Ayman Ashraf, who earned a late red card in the game is also outlined.

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Bafana Bafana striker Percy Tau missed the whole competition due to injury.