The match served as a key tune-up for two of the continental champions heading to the expanded Club World Cup in the United States later this month.
In his first game in charge, Spanish coach Jose Riveiro made only one change to the team as he introduced Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane in his starting eleven.
Pachuca took the lead in the first half through Brazilian forward John Kennedy, who slotted home in the 11th minute after a well-worked passing move ended with a precise through ball from Agustín Palavecino.
Ahly responded strongly in the second half, with winger Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ grabbing the equaliser in the 50th minute. The goal came after a smart assist from midfielder Hamdi Fathi, whose pass carved open Pachuca’s defence and allowed Trezeguet to fire low into the bottom corner.
Both sides rotated heavily throughout the match, with Ahly head coach Jose Riveiro making 11 changes during the second half, including the introduction of mega signing Ahmed Sayed Zizo, who had joined the squad just 24 hours earlier.
In the penalty decider, Pachuca converted all five of their spot-kicks, while Ahly’s Omar Kamal saw his effort rattled the post, handing the Mexican side the win.
Ahly had chances to win it in regular time, with efforts from Karim El Debes and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane narrowly missing the target, while goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a key first-half save to deny Palavecino a second.
The result will offer both clubs valuable insights ahead of their Club World Cup campaigns.
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