Fluminense s Brazilian forward #11 Keno vies with Ahly s Egyptian forward #29 Taher Mohamed during the FIFA Club World Cup football semi-final football match between Brazil s Fluminense and Egypt s Al-Ahly at King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah on December 18, 2023. AFP
The African champions boast an impressive history in the prestigious tournament, having clinched third place on three previous occasions (2006, 2020, and 2021).
However, they have yet to secure a higher standing in their ninth appearance.
This marks the sixth time that the Red Devils have fallen short of advancing to the finals at this stage of the tournament.
Ahly kicked off the competition in fine form, securing a 3-1 victory over hosts Ittihad Jeddah in the quarterfinals.
However, they stumbled in the semis, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fluminense from Brazil.
Urawa Reds started their campaign in the World competition with a 3-0 loss to UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City in the semifinals.
Marcel Koller, Ahly's Swiss coach, expressed his disappointment during the post-match news conference against Fluminense, highlighting the team's struggle to convert clear goalscoring chances.
"This problem of missing clear goalscoring opportunities against Fluminense is unfortunate," lamented Koller.
"It has been a recurring issue in the domestic league, and we need to find a solution for it."
The Egyptian champions will play the game with all their top players, except French striker Anthony Modeste, who is serving a two-match ban following his red card in the quarterfinals against Ittihad Jeddah earlier this week.
Ahly's mission will not be easy as they face a disciplined and well-organized Japanese side.
Despite the anticipated loss to Manchester City, Urawa Reds Diamond demonstrated some resilience against the Premier League and Champions League champions in the competition’s semis on Tuesday.
"The result against Manchester City was disappointing," coach Atsuki Ito told Urawa Reds Diamond official website.
"I aim for 3rd place in the world, and it's also the end of this season.
"For all the fans and supporters who have travelled far and wide, and for all the people who support us in Japan, I want to win and finish with a smile on my face," he concluded.
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