Picture credit: Ahly Fans in Qatar / Facebook
Doha: Football fever is set to grip Qatar once again as the country prepares to host the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 from December 11 to 18, 2024.
African football giants Al Ahly FC are seen as strong contenders to reach the final, potentially facing European champions Real Madrid. They will take on the winners of FIFA Derby of the Americas Qatar 2024 game between Brazil’s Botafogo FR and Mexico’s CF Pachuca for the FIFA Challengers Cup at Stadium 974 on December 14.
#AlAhly fans ready to roar in #Qatar at #FIFA Intercontinental Cup
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) December 3, 2024
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The victors will then face off Real Madrid for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Lusail Stadium on December 18, coinciding with Qatar National Day.
Al Ahly are expected to enjoy great support from its fanbase in Qatar and the neighboring countries.
The Egyptian club, recognised for being the most decorated side in history with 121 trophies, boasts the largest fanbase among Middle Eastern football clubs.
The club’s arrival will mark the fourth time the team has competed in Qatar since 2020, after having secured third place in the FIFA Club World Cup in Doha in 2020, and clinching the Qatar-held CAF Super Cup twice in May and December 2021.
Mohamed Samir, Deputy Chairman and Media Spokesperson for Al Ahly Fans Association in Qatar
During their previous appearances in Qatar, Al Ahly’s fans left a distinctive impression, dominating ticket sales and enlivening the streets with parades and festive activities.
Mohamed Samir, Deputy Chairman and Media Spokesperson for Al Ahly Fans Association in Qatar, shared with The Peninsula the association’s preparations for the tournament.
“The organisers have been in touch with our association to begin preparations for welcoming Al Ahly and its fans. They expressed their happiness at the club’s qualification, given its vast popularity, which will contribute to the tournament’s success. Necessary arrangements are being made to facilitate fan attendance,” he said.
“Weekly gatherings are being organised for fans to prepare and rehearse cheering routines, complete with flags and chants to support the team,” he added.
Samir projected that Al Ahly fans could occupy “over 70% of the stadium’s capacity for the team’s opening match with high hopes of reaching the final for a clash with Real Madrid.”
Additionally, he confirmed that “activities similar to the festive events of the Qatar 2022 World Cup would be held during the tournament.”
“Egyptian traditional and cultural performances have already been proposed to the organising committee,” he noted.
Reflecting on Al Ahly’s past participation in tournaments hosted by Qatar, Samir stated: “The image portrayed by Al Ahly and its fans, and their active role in the success of previous tournaments motivated the organisers to ensure this year’s competition overcomes past challenges.”
Concluding with a message to fans attending the matches, Samir urged: “Adhere to the tournament’s security and organisational instructions. The organising committee has been commendably cooperative in facilitating fan attendance and ensuring a seamless experience at the matches.”
Al Ahly FC secured their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup by defeating UAE’s Al Ain with a 3-0 victory on October 29, 2024, in Cairo, earning them the title of FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup champions.
