The Cairo giants missed two match-winning penalties in a 6-5 shootout defeat to Pachuca.

"We squandered numerous scoring opportunities during the game. In the penalty kicks, some players showed signs of nervousness, which ultimately led to our defeat," Koller told a television program after the game.

Following a goalless draw in regular and extra time, Ahly initially took a promising 2-0 lead in the shootout after Pachuca's Salomon Rondon and Borja Baston failed to convert their penalties.

However, as the shootout progressed, Mahmoud Kahraba and Omar Kamal's misses allowed Pachuca to seize the momentum.

Khaled Abdel-Fattah's strike hitting the bar proved to be a pivotal moment, denying Ahly a victory that appeared within reach.

Ahly, in their nine previous appearances in the Club World Cup (now revamped as the Intercontinental Cup), have secured four bronze medals but have never advanced beyond the semifinals.

Marcel Koller's team will now shift their focus towards next summer's Club World Cup as they aim to improve their standing in international competitions.

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