Fluminense and Al Ahly clash in a high-stakes encounter for a spot in the final of the 2023 Club World Cup in Jeddah.
Match Preview
Having secured their first Copa Libertadores title in thrilling fashion against Boca Juniors, Fluminense makes their Club World Cup debut.
Despite their continental success, their domestic performance fell short, finishing seventh in the Brasileiro campaign and exiting the Copa do Brasil.
However, Fernando Diniz’s team, after back-to-back defeats in their domestic league, enters this tournament after an 11-day break, aiming to rectify their form.
Al Ahly, dominant in Egyptian football for decades, earned their ninth Club World Cup spot following their triumph in the 2022-23 CAF Champions League.
The Egyptian giants, managed by Marcel Koller, defeated Al Ittihad in the second round. Unbeaten since October, Al Ahly is eyeing a historic Club World Cup final berth, having previously secured bronze medals in past editions.
Form Guide
Fluminense (All Competitions): DWWWWL
Al Ahly Club World Cup Form: W
Al Ahly (All Competitions): DWDDDW
Team News
Fluminense’s Club World Cup squad consists mostly of Brazilians, with German Cano, their Argentine striker, and Colombian duo Jhon Arias and Yony Gonzalez being exceptions.
Cano and Arias, key players in their attacking line, are set to feature. On-loan Palmeiras left-back Jorge is recovering from injury, replaced by experienced ex-Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.
For Al Ahly, French striker Modeste’s suspension for violent conduct rules him out of the semi-final. Injuries to Kahraba and Ahmed Kouka pose selection challenges for Koller.
Taher Mohamed or Karim Fouad may lead the attack, accompanied by ex-Brighton player Percy Tau.
Possible Lineups
Fluminense Possible Starting XI:
Fabio;
Guga, Nino, Melo, Marcelo;
Andre, Martinelli;
Arias, Ganso, Keno;
Cano
Al Ahly Possible Starting XI:
El Shenawy;
Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmonem, Maaloul;
Kouka, Ateya, Ashour;
Tau, Kahraba, El Shahat
Prediction: Fluminense 3-1 Al Ahly
Despite Al Ahly’s recent success, Fluminense, boasting international experience and well-rested, have the upper hand.
Al Ahly’s injuries and Modeste’s suspension might hinder their performance against a formidable Fluminense side, making them the favorites to advance to the final.
