File Photo: Ahly football team players celebrate. Photo courtesy of Ahly's Facebook page.
"The FIFA Club World Cup is a tournament every player, every club dreams of winning," winger El Shahat said in a FIFA-promoted video. "It's a dream for Ahly fans and the players too."
The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, running from 14 June to 13 July, will be held in 11 US cities. Ahly have been drawn in Group A alongside Brazil's Palmeiras, Portugal's FC Porto, and Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.
"Being African champions is a huge achievement. Thanks to God, in the last six years we've reached five CAF Champions League finals," El Shahat said. "We promise to give it our all and make you proud."
Goalkeeper and captain El Shenawy emphasized Ahly's readiness and their responsibility to represent the entire African continent.
"It's an amazing feeling to be part of the new FIFA Club World Cup. We are making history for Ahly. We have always been the best team in Africa," he said.
Ahly will open their campaign against Inter Miami on 14 June at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
"It's huge for us to play in such a high-profile opening match, especially against legends like Messi and Suarez. The atmosphere will be electric," El Shenawy said.
"Being African champions is a tremendous responsibility. We are not just representing Egypt but the whole continent."
Ahly's second match, against Palmeiras, is on 19 June at MetLife Stadium, followed by their third against Porto on 23 June, also at MetLife Stadium. All matches are scheduled for 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM Cairo time (GMT+2).
The new 32-team format replaces the previous seven-team structure, with the Club World Cup now held every four years.
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