Al Ahly to battle Bayern Munich in Club W/cup semis
Never say die and high flying Al Ahly were again in super form on Thursday as they beat Qatari giants Al-Duhail 1-0 to set up a semi final clash with Bayern Munich in FiFA club world cup.
Hussein El Shahat’s first-half goal earned the Egyptian champions the victory in an encounter which took place at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Al Ahly head coach Mosimane surprisingly named DR Congolese striker Walter Bwalya in the starting line-up ahead of the experienced marksman Marwan Mohsen.
While influential playmaker El Shahat, who has a knack of scoring important goals for the Red Devils, was deployed behind Bwalya by Mosimane.
On the other hand, Kenya international Michael Olunga led the attack for Al-Duhail, who had former Morocco captain Medhi Benatia at the heart of their defence.
Both teams were cautious in the opening exchanges and there was nothing to threaten the two goalkeepers, Mohamed El Shenawy and Salah Zakaria Moussa.
However, the Red Devils upped the tempo after the 20th-minute mark and they managed to break the deadlock through El Shahat on the half-hour-mark.
The 29-year-old, who netted six goals in last season’s Caf Champions League, fired past Moussa from the edge of the box to make it 1-0 to Al Ahly with Bwalya providing the assist.
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The African champions were able to contain Al-Duhail in the closing stages of the game and ultimately, Al Ahly emerged 1-0 winners. They will face German giants Bayern Munich on Monday.
The winner between Al Ahly and Bayern will take on either Brazilian giants SC Palmeiras or Mexican side Tigres UANL in the final on February 11.