Thousands of roaring fans at Al Nahyan Stadium witnessed Al Ahly SC book a semi final spot at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Al Ahly SC kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021™ campaign with a historic 1-0 win over CONCACAF champions, CF Monterrey. The game was decided by Al Ahly’s Mohamed Hany’s goal in the 53rd minute, booking the Egyptians’ place in the semi finals.
The second-round clash was attended by a list of VIPs including Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, president of the United Arab Emirates Football Association and president of the Local Organising Committee, H.E. Aref Al Awani General Secretary at Abu Dhabi Sports Council and. Also in attendance was Sherif El Bidewy, Egyptian ambassador in the UAE and Francisca E. Méndez Escobar, Mexican ambassador in the UAE.
The Egyptian giants are 10-times CAF Champions League winners and they are making their seventh appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup™. They will be hoping to improve on their third-place finishes in 2006 and 2020.
Team captain Ramy Rabia, who received the Alibaba Cloud Man of the Match Award said, “Al Ahly fans back us no matter where we are. The support today made us feel as if we were right at home in Cairo. We couldn’t even tell the difference! The stadium was filled with passionate fans and gave us an advantage in the game. Today’s success is largely thanks for those who were present in the stands today in Abu Dhabi.”
Both teams enjoyed passionate support throughout the game, with many travelling to Abu Dhabi for the fixture. Al Ahly drew larger numbers, as the Egyptian expatriate community in the United Arab Emirates is among the largest in the country.
Hala, an Al Ahly fan who resides in Abu Dhabi said; “The organization in Abu Dhabi has been incredible as usual, it feels just like home for us here and the atmosphere is as passionate as it would be in Cairo.”
Abdullah, who drove from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to attend the game added; “We’re here to support Al Ahly, it’s the least we can do. I’m confident there will be Al Ahly fans here from all over the world, they all came here to back our team on this great stage.”
Monterrey are the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League winners from Mexico and are competing at the FIFA Club World Cup for the fifth time. Fily Guerriero, who was at the game along with a group of fellow Monterrey fans said: “We travelled from Mexico, Monterrey, Nuevo León. We travelled 16 hours to attend this tournament and support our team. It’s my first time at the Club World Cup.”
“It’s also my first time in Abu Dhabi,” added Fily. “I arrived on Wednesday night and we’re really enjoying it here. Probably in a couple of years, I would love to come back with all my family.”
Mario, another travelling Monterrey supporter was very optimistic before the game about their chances this year. “I came all the way from Mexico to Abu Dhabi. I’m supporting my team to go all the way and win the competition.”
Extensive Covid check points were installed around the Al Nahyan Stadium, to help ensure the best possible healthy and safety measures.