Coach Pitso Mosimane said that Ahly's ambition was even bigger than a third-place finish after they defeated South American champions Palmeiras to clinch the bronze medal on Thursday.

The Red Devils defeated their fancied Brazilian opponents 3-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw to claim the bronze medal for the second time in six appearances.

Ahly lost 2-0 to European champions Bayern Munich in the semis, a defeat that Mosimane admitted was hard to avoid.

"Well, that's not what we came for. But we must be humble and we must understand that facing Bayern in the semis was not easy," the South African coach told beIN Sports after the game.

"I'm happy and proud of my team."

Mosimane also said his players should put their Club World Cup campaign behind them and focus on their African Champions League commitments.

Defending champions Ahly open their group-stage campaign against Sudanese side Al-Merrikh in Cairo on Tuesday.

"What's important is to take this performance to the Champions League. We must take it from there," Mosimane added.

Although Ahly finished third in 2006 in Japan, this year's bronze medal is all the more special because it came at the expense of one of the pre-tournament favourites.

It's the first time for Ahly in six Club World Cup appearances to overcome the Copa Libertadores winners, having lost in the semis to Brazilian duo Internacional and Corinthians in 2006 and 2012 respectively.    

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