AL Ahly thrashed Al Hilal 4-0 in FIFA Club World Cup third-place playoff inside the magnificent Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
A potentially explosive clash was expected between the two Arab lords, with one the reigning champions of the CAF Champions League and the other the AFC Champions League.
The Arabian giants were the favourites to edge the tie. But they found themselves trailing 3-0 by halftime as Yasser Ibrahim scored a brace in the 8th and the 17th followed by an achievement from Ahmed Abdelkader.
The dismissal of Brazilian midfielder Matheus Perreira (for a dangerous foul) in the 14th and Saudi Arabian star Mohammed Kanoo (for violent conduct) 28th did not help Al Hilal side.
Al Ahly pressed home their advantage, with the Egyptians adding a fourth in the 64th thanks to Soleya after the interval through Amro El Soulia to romp to their third bronze medal at the FIFA CWC.
Al Hilal Manager Leonardo Jardim chose to bench impressive new signing Odion Ighalo, starting Malian forward Moussa Marega instead.
The Nigerian international who was an unused substitute had scored on his club debut in the 6-1 demolition of Al Jazira in Al Hilal’s first game at the Club World Cup. The Cairo club will have their first group stage match in the CAF Champions League on Friday, February 18 – ironically against Al Hilal of Sudan. – AP
