Egypt and African Champions Ahly secured a Club World Cup semi-finals' spot after defeating Al-Duhail of Qatar 1-0 on Thursday courtesy of a 30th minute screamer from Hussein El-Shahat.

This will be the third time for the African champions to reach a such round after previous feats in 2006 and 2012.

During this term, the Red Devils will have a mountain to climb against European Champions Bayern Munich on Monday.

Enjoying an almost home support at the Education City stadium at Al-Rayan, with Egyptians making up a majority of the audience, Ahly had a sparkling start of the game.

The Red Devils dominated the first half and got what they deserved in the 30th minute. Congolese striker Walter Bwalya dispossessed midfielder Bassam Hisham to set up winger El-Shahat, who sent a powerful shot from the edge of the area into the back of the net.

Ahly had the chance to double their lead when Bwalya scored a few minutes later, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside after a VAR check.

The second half was a different affair, as Al-Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi made a double substitution, introducing Almoez Ali and Mohamed Muntari to press forward.

The duo made a rapid impact as the Qatari side sieged Ahly during the second half, but without posing a real threat.

Ahly relied on the counters and they were close to scoring a second goal with 13 minutes remaining when substitute midfielder Aliou Dieng send a well-placed shot, but his efforts went inches next to the post.

The Qatari side intensified their attacks in the closing stages, but Ahly's keeper Mohamed El-Shennawi made some superb stretches to deny close chances from Mohamed Muntari and Almoez Ali.

Ahly defender Ayman Ashraf has been chosen man of the match. Photo: Reuters

Ahly's midfielder Aliou Dieng runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup second round football match between Qatar's Duhail and Egypt's Al-Ahly at the Education City Stadium in the Qatari city of Ar-Rayyan on February 4, 2021.

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Second Round - Al Duhail v Al Ahly - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - February 4, 2021 Al Ahly's Walter Bwalya in action REUTERS

Ahly's midfielder Mohamed Magdy runs with the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup second round football match between Qatar's Duhail and Egypt's Al-Ahly at the Education City Stadium in the Qatari city of Ar-Rayyan on February 4, 2021. AFP

Soccer Football - Club World Cup - Second Round - Al Duhail v Al Ahly - Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - February 4, 2021 Al Ahly's Mohamed Elshenawy REUTERS

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