Al Duhail players during a training session.
Doha: Qatari champions Al Duhail gave Egyptian giants Al Ahly a run for money before going down in their debut match at the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday, and The Red Knights after their gallant show in the opener have now shifted focus on the fifth position play-off as they aim to finish the elite tournament on a high.
A first half goal by Egyptian national team’s striker Hussein El Shahat gave nine-time African champions a 1-0 win over the host country’s club at the Education City Stadium. Al Duhail, however, fought well in the match particularly in the second half.
Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi was overall satisfied with the performance of his side on a big stage, saying lack of experience cost his team the match.
“I do not blame my players who showed a very good performance in the second half,” said the Frenchman.
“It was a great honour for me and the players to participate in the first match in this important tournament. In such matches, the fine details are what makes the difference, but despite the loss, the team gained experience and we will try to change some things,” Lamouchi added.
The Red Knights now face Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai as they target fifth position at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium tomorrow, with Lamouchi hoping for an improved show from his players after their outing in the first match.
“Al Duhail lacked experience and we could have made the difference with experience, and we will work hard to achieve victory in our next match against Ulsan Hyundai,” he said.
Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali, lamented that despite creating many chances his team failed to find an equaliser.
“We tried to equalise in the second half after the coaching staff made some changes, but the team did not succeed in scoring despite our clear possession of the ball,” he said.
“We returned to our true level in the second half, but we did not succeed in finding the equaliser, and I must congratulate Al Ahly and wish them success in their next match.”
Defender Mehdi Benatia said Al Duhail are now looking forward to the next match after gaining valuable experience from Al Ahly game.
“We played much better in the second half after mistake cost us a goal in the first half. We have learned from this match and we are now focusing on our final match of the tournament,” he said.
Mosimane happy to defy Al Duhail’s fightback
In Thursday’s match, Al Duhail dominated the second half and made as many as 15 attempts with seven shots on target, and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane praised his team for their resistance.
“We faced a tough opponent. They have a lot of great players, but we managed to achieve our goal and win the match,” said Mosimane.
“Moreover in the last ten minutes of the game, Al Duhail SC created several chances but we managed to deal with their pressure in the best possible manner,” he added.
Al Ahly will meet tournament favourites Bayern Munich in the second semi-final to be played at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday.
