Fluminense qualified for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final after defeating Al-Ahly 2-0 in the first semi-final on Monday night in Jeddah.
As City complete preparations in the Saudi Arabian port city ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, attention is immediately turned to the spectacular King Abdullah Sport City Stadium in the opening match of the last four matches.
And it was the Brazilians who secured their place in the global tournament thanks to a second-half penalty from Jhon Arias and a late goal from substitute John Kennedy.
It was an exciting competition that brought together the Copa Libertadores champions and the African Champions League winners, with the Egyptians in particular drawing a large and rowdy crowd.
But it was the Brazilian who scored the first clear opener of the match, Arias heading the ball home from the right in the ninth minute.
The tense and bloody match then switched to the other end in the 18th minute with only a superb last-chance save from Fluminense’s Felipe Melo denying Al-Ahly’s Percy Tau after freeing himself on the right flank and then there pass the target.
Incredibly, in the 25th minute, Arias was once again pushed back by the woodwork when his quick shot from a quick corner went wide.
A thrilling match with many high-speed counter-attacks from both sides, which then saw Al-Ahly’s Kahraba save from Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio at close range.
The spectacle from start to finish didn’t stop after the break with Fabio on hand again in stoppage time to push back Hussein Elshahat with a low shot from 15 yards.
But the decisive goal finally came in the 71st minute and went in Fluminense’s favor when Arias fired in from the penalty spot after former Real Madrid and Brazil star Marcelo was fouled in the box.
Al-Ahly still had plenty of chances to equalize, while Taher missed the Egyptian powerhouse’s best chance.
But it was Fluminense who came out on top thanks to substitute Kennedy’s superb 89th goal, sealing a place in the final where the Brazilians will now face either City or Urawa Red Diamonds.
https://youtu.be/RpQlRLJkF8o?si=NEWER7DMTwSrFmxA
