Al Ahly advance to Club World Cup semifinals thanks to Mohamed Hany strike

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:00 am
Mohamed Hany scored a stunner to send his side through to the Club World Cup semifinals.
Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

A wonder goal from Mohamed Hany gave Al Ahly a 1-0 victory over Monterrey in the second round of the Club World Cup at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, advancing them to the semifinals.

Al Ahly have several players unavailable for the tournament after Egypt qualified for Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final, which was evident in the first half when the Mexican side dominated possession and had several attempts on goal.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

However, that did not stop Al Ahly from taking the lead in spectacular fashion through wing back Hany in the 53rd minute.

The 26-year-old was the first to pounce on a parry from goalkeeper Esteban Andrada and he fired a fierce shot from the edge of the box that split the Monterrey defence and found the back of the net as the stadium erupted.

Al Ahly will play Brazilian side Palmeiras in the semifinal at the same venue on Tuesday. The two clubs have met previously in the third-place playoff in the 2020 edition where the Egyptian side won on penalties after a goalless draw.

The 2021 Club World Cup was originally scheduled to be held in Japan last year but was postponed due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, with global governing body FIFA awarding hosting rights to the United Arab Emirates.