Al Ahly boss Pitso Mosimane has become the most successful African manager in FIFA Club World Cup history after leading them to third place over AFC champions Al Hilal.
Ahly came into the game as heavy underdogs against the Asian giants who boast a wealth of talent that featured at the highest level of football – something they are able to attract due to their vast riches.
But Mosimane and his charges used the disappointment of missing out on the final to punish Leonardo Jardim’s side – who were also guilty of playing to the occasion with some reckless challenges.
Former Premier League star Matheus Pareira – who shone during their games against Al Jazira and Chelsea – received a straight red in the 14th minute while his midfield partner Mohamed Kanno followed 14 minutes later.
By the time Hilal were down to nine men, Ahly had already been two goals up with defender Yasser Ebrahim, one of the most unlikely of goalscorers, bagging a brace.
Promising playmaker Ahmed Abdelkader netted an impressive third just before the break to add further gloss to the game as the record-ten time African champions added gloss to their dominant opening half.
Mali international Moussa Marega proved the only outlet for the Saudi Arabians with his extreme pace and power on the break but it wasn’t enough to trouble Ahly who were comfortable throughout.
HISTORY FOR AHLY AND PITSO
With eight games in the Club World Cup, only Spaniard Ramon Tribulietx (10) has more appearances as manager in the competition.
His 11 points achieved from this puts him in the top 10 most successful managers, ahead of the likes of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Tunisia icon Faouzi Benzarti.
But the real history achievement was the podium finish – as he became the first African manager to secure two medals at the prestigious events – this in his first 15 months of his tenure at the club.
Manuel Jose, who won four CAF Champions League during his glittering years, only managed one third-place finish with the Club of the Century.
It marks another step in his persuit of legendary status with Africa’s most successful club.
