Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras secured sweet revenge over Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly to book their place in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
In the build-up to the fixture Mosimane questioned why the Brazilian giants come into the tie without having played any matches prior.
The Red Devils were already handicapped by six players being part of the Egypt national team AFCON squad and after beating Monterrey against the odds – the Brazilians proved a challenge too far, even for the tactically astute Mosimane.
Packed to the rafters with more than 70% of supporters – due to being able to secure tickets as confirmed semi-finalist before Ahly’s first game – it looked ominous even before the first whistle as the sea of green drowned the usually dominant Ahly fans.
But it appeared the record ten-time African champions were set to frustrate Abel Ferreira and his charges until the break – had it not been for a moment of brilliance.
Raphael Veiga, in his 10 role found space for the first time just outside the area and his rasping drive went past an unmoved Ali Lotfy on goals.
The second-choice keeper, standing in for injured captain Mohamed El-Shenaway picked the ball out of the net for the second time just after the break with the Brazilian’s first shot at goal through winger Dudu.
Mosimane rang the changes with Ahmed Abdel Kader, Mohamed Sherif and Hamdi Fathi all thrown on for Amr El-Sulaya, Ramy Rabia and Hussen El-Shahat respectively.
The changes nearly made dividendes with a renewed attacking intent immediately but Kader saw a penalty call and goal ruled out by VAR which notably damped the morale of the African champions.
Palmeiras went on to see out the game to win 2-0 much to the delight of the thousands of travelling supporters who will be in attendece in the final against Chelsea or Al Hilal.
It proved a momement to savour for the side who were pipped to a third-place finish by Mosimane’s Red Devils 12 months prior.
Al Ahly will now face the loser of the other semi-final between Chelsea and Al Hilal in the third-place playoff, when they will attempt to secure successive bronze medals.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO), who reports from the Club World Cup thanks to World Sports Betting.
