
Ahly s Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed el-Shenawy (C) and Ahly s Egyptian forward Taher Mohamed leave the pitch after their defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final football match between Egypt s Al-Ahly and Spain s Real Madrid at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on February 8, 2023. AFP
Meanwhile, Ahly's in-form winger Hussien El-Shahat posted on his Facebook page that Ahly "came into the tournament to win a title not the bronze medal but they were unlucky" in the game they lost 4-1 to Real Madrid.
"We were close but we missed several chances that could have helped us win," added El-Shahat, who gained a penalty kick in the clash against the Meringues that was converted by Ali Maaloul to bring Ahly close to leveling the score at one point in the game.
Ready for the Brazilians
Back at the presser, Ahly's coach Marcel Koller said "Flamengo are a big and strong team and they have skillful players as is known of the Brazilians."
"I watched two games for them plus their match against Al Hilal in the second round," he added.
"It will be a difficult match but we are ready for them," Koller stressed.
Flamingo, the COPA Libertadores champions, lost on Wednesday in the semis 3-2 to the Saudi side and Asia champs Al Hilal to end up in a game against Ahly for a bronze.
Egyptian players need to focus!
Koller also reflected during the presser on the team's loss to the Real in the semis - his first loss in 22 games since taking over the helm of the Red Devils in September of last year.
"We were facing the best team in the world in Real Madrid. Of course, their odds and capabilities were stringer than ours. Still, we created a lot of chances."
"The difference between Real Madrid and Ahly is the same difference between European leagues and the Egyptian leagues: their ratio of converting chances into goals is higher than us," the 62-year-old Swiss coach said.
"The Egyptian player needs to maintain his focus as long as possible - make the right decision at the right time - and not miss in front of the goal," he added.
Ahly win over Flamaengo gives them their third straight bronze medal and the fourth in eight appearances in the prestigious tournament.
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