By Samindra Kunti in Jeddah
December 18 – South America is returning to the final of the Club World Cup after Fluminense edged past African champions Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 with second-half goals from Joao Arias and John Kennedy.
The Copa Libertadores winners needed a 68th-minute spot kick from the Colombian winger and a late strike by supersub Kennedy to overcome Al Ahly and ensure passage to the final against either Manchester City or Urawa Reds.
Last year, Flamengo exited in the last four, falling at the hands of Al Hilal, but their crosstown rivals were not surprised by the Egyptians. It’s the third time in five years that a Brazilian club will feature in the final of the Club World Cup. Corinthians were the last non-European club to win the tournament in 2012.
In a slow start, Fluminense’s Arias rattled the woodwork twice, once with a half-volley and then following a set piece, but Al Ahly, backed by their fans, lurked on the counter, exposing the aging pair of Felipe Melo and Marcelo in the Brazilian rearguard but without creating major opportunities.
In the second half, the Egyptians made better use of the space at their disposal with Mahmoud Kahraba threatening and Hussein El Shahat forcing a fine save from Brazilian goalkeeper Fabio.
Percy Tau enjoyed the Africans’ best chance, but by then his team had fallen behind. An anti-hero, the South African conceded a penalty in the 66th minute to the experienced Marcelo. Arias converted. Fluminense sat back and picked their opponents off on the counter as Kennedy scored their second in the 88th minute.
In the second semi-final, on Tuesday, European champions Manchester City will debut in the Club World Cup against Japan’s Urawa Reds.
With Kevin De Bruyne returning to training, the English champions are considered the favourites to win the tournament.
“We want to take it like a privilege,” said City manager Pep Guardiola at a news conference. “You have to do something exceptional in the past, that’s why you are here.”
The Spaniard called the tournament a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. He won the Club World Cup with FC Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 and with Bayern Munich in 2013. As Champions League winners, the Manchester club will also feature in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup in 2025.
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