Players of Egypt s Al-Ahly celebrate after winning their match against Brazil s Palmeiras to secure third place in the FIFA Club World Cup. (Photo retrieved from FIFA Club World Cup official Facebook page.)
The Reds will be facing Mexican side Monterrey in their opening match on 5 February.
In their seventh participation, Ahly will be missing several key players in the prestigious tournament, as six players are on international duty with Egypt in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 10-time African Champions are also missing influential players due to injuries, especially Moroccan defender Badr Benoun and South African winger Percy Tau.
These absences have dealt a huge blow to the Egyptian giants, who were hoping to reach new heights after achieving third place twice in 2006 and 2020.
Coach Pitso Mosimane included 5 youngsters in his squad to make up for the absentees.
Tunisian left back Ali Maaloul and Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng will be joining their fellow Red Devils directly in the UAE after ending their international duties at the AFCON.
Ahly currently lead the Egyptian Premier League table with 19 points from seven games, with one game still in hand.
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