Al Ahly’s football first-team players commented on the team’s important 1-0 victory against C.F. Monterrey of Mexico in the preliminary round of the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday.
With that result, the Eagles are set to face Palmeiras of Brazil in the semi-finals of the competition on Tuesday at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Following the game, we had the chance to ask some of our players about their thoughts and emotions after the team’s victory along with their opinion on the fan's support throughout the game.
Ramy Rabia:
“Our fans were amazing they gave us an advantage tonight. They are one of the main reasons behind today’s victory. Thank God, I was able to win the man of the match also. I am very lucky to be here tonight with the team.
Prior to the game, I told the players that today’s game is the start, if we start well we will be to do something great in the tournament. I emphasized that the spirit is what matters the most and it will guide to the victory.”
Walid Soliman:
“I would like to thank all my teammates. They were up to the challenge. They did their best tonight. Our fans always support us through thick and thin. The phrase Al Ahly wins with whoever represents the red jersey is true and we showed that tonight. We promise our fans to do our best in the upcoming games.”
Ali Maaloul:
“I am so happy that we defeated Monterrey tonight and reached the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals. We prepared very well for the game. It was a tough match, but the team’s character was key in overcoming all the obstacles."
"The players had a great spirit and achieved an important victory. We always seek to achieve the victory and meet our fans’ high expectations.”
Aliou Dieng:
“We did a great match and despite all the absences that we have, we managed to win. It was a collective effort tonight. “
“We have a new challenge on Tuesday against Palmeiras and hopefully we will be up for it. Of course, Palmeiras are a strong team and they showed that by reaching the FIFA Club World Cup for the second consecutive season.”
“However, we managed to defeat them last year in the bronze medal game. Now, this year we have a new challenge ahead of us and that is to reach the final by defeating them in the semis.”
Ahmed Abdelkader:
“We put on a good performance tonight and all the players gave their best to win. We are currently focused on facing Palmeiras of Brazil and we are keen to maintain our great performances.”
Hussein El Shahat:
“The team put on a great display tonight. I am very happy about the victory. I believe we have the ability to win the next game and reach the final. Hopefully, we will be able to do so.”
Hossam Hassan:
“We faced a lot of difficulties during the build-up to the game. However, we were ready for the game and we were able to qualify to the next round.”
Mohamed Fakhry:
“I am very happy to see Mohamed El Maghrabi play tonight. He is a talented player. Hopefully, we will be to take part in the future. It’s a great experience to be here with the team for the first time in the FIFA Club World Cup.”
Hamza Alaa:
“Tonight’s game against Monterrey was very difficult, but all the players were up to the challenge and fought to achieve the victory. I would like to thank Al Ahly fans for their great support tonight. They helped us a lot to achieve the victory.”
“Ali Lotfy put on a great performance tonight and managed to secure a clean sheet. He was great as usual and I wish him all the best in the upcoming games.”
