Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has insisted that competing in the Club World Cup for the fourth time is an honour and confirmed that this time is the hardest.

“This is the hardest Club World Cup Ahly have played in and we are going to play to win against Copa Libertadores Champions Corinthians [in the semifinal on Wednesday],” said El-Badry at a press conference.

Ahly reached the competition’s semis following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

The 54-year-old also praised the way his players have adapted to the time-zone and weather differences.

“We have faced very hard circumstances lately, playing the African tournament behind closed doors amid the league suspension,” the Red Devils’ midfielder Hossam Ahour said. “Ahly is the joy of Egyptians and we are hoping to continue our success to please the fans.”

The Egyptian domestic league has been suspended since February when 72 Ahly supporters died in clashes with rival fans of Masry in the Port Said stadium. Ahly players are wearing black armbands in Japan in the memory of the lost fans.

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