AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
TEARS of joy went down the faces of players of Egytian champions Al Ahly after they laid claim to be the third best club in the world.
Al-Ahly defeated Brazlian giant Palmeiras 3-2 on penalties to earn the third place at the Fifa Club World Cup 2020 in Qatar last night.
Coached by South African Pitso Mosimane, Al-Ahly put their 2-0 defeat at the hands of German champions Bayern Munich and put up a sterling performance for the bronze medal. There were wild celebrations, lots of hugs and tears after the victory of a difficult and immensely talented Brazilian side.
After 90 minutes of missed chances, the two sides headed for penalties. Palmeiras missed three of their five penalty kicks, while Al-Ahly scored three of theirs to win the shoot-out.
An excited Mosimane said the bronze was not the medal he had hoped for but was happy.
“Not the medal we wished to get, but a realistic one. We should be humble and appreciate getting a medal for Africa.We shall be back next year and fight for an upgrade,” he said.
Al-Ahly fans, supporters of Mosimane in South Africa and African football followers took to social media to celebrate the success.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT:
AL-AHLY:
1. Badr Benoun – Scored.
2. Amr El Soleya – Saved.
3. Marwan Mohsen – Missed.
4. Mohamed Hany – Scored.
5. Junior Oluwafemi Ajayi – Scored.
PALMEIRAS:
1. Rony – Saved
2. Luiz Adriano – Missed.
3. Gustavo Scarpa – Scored.
4. Gustavo Gómez – Scored.
5. Felipe Melo – Saved.
