Al Ahly suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals on Monday.
With a 3-1 win over Ittihad Jeddah in the quarter-finals on Friday, Al Ahly managed to secure qualification for the next round in convincing fashion. The Reds used the momentum to their advantage and looked threatening in the opening minutes of the game through their blistering counter-attacks.
Mahmoud Kahraba spurned a golden opportunity to give Al Ahly the lead after 36 minutes from a free header that was aimed straight at Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio. The Brazilian giants were later awarded a controversial spot-kick in the 71st minute as former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo was brought down inside the box by Percy Tau.
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Jhon Arias stepped up to take the penalty and converted successfully from the spot to give Fluminense the breakthrough. Despite late attempts from Al Ahly to equalise, Fluminense found their second from a quick move finished off by substitute John Kennedy to seal their win. Al Ahly will next face either Urawa Red Diamonds or European champions Manchester City in the third-place playoff on Tuesday.
- Additional reporting KingFUT.