The conflict between Al-Ahly and the Mexican clubs is renewed after they faced Pachuca for the Challenge Cup in the semi-finals of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup in the match that will be held tomorrow at Stadium 974. The two teams will meet after Pachuca succeeded in qualifying for the Challenge Cup in the Intercontinental Championship after its victory over the Brazilian Botafogo. . Today, a special press conference for the coaches will be held at Stadium 974. To talk about the history of Al-Ahly’s matches against Mexican teams in the Club World Cup tournaments, Al-Ahly met with Mexican clubs 5 times in the Club World Cup (Club America, Pachuca, and Monterrey), and just as it was the gateway to Al-Ahly’s first historic medal. In the World Cup, it was the gateway to his biggest defeats in terms of results. The beginning was against the Club America team after a strong campaign for Al-Ahly in the World Cup. 2006 The team snatched the bronze medal by defeating them 2-1 in the match for third place in the Club World Cup, earning Al-Ahmar the first World Cup medal in its history. In 2008, Al-Ahly met with Pachuca of Mexico in the quarter-finals of 2008, making Pachuca qualify for the semi-finals, and in the 2012 Japanese edition, they met Al-Ahly, led by Hossam El-Badry, competed with Monterrey, Mexico, in search of the second bronze medal, and Al-Ahly lost by two. Clean in the third-place match against Monterrey, he was satisfied with obtaining fourth place. In the next edition, 2013, Monterrey met again with Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup in Morocco, and Al-Ahly suffered the largest loss in its record of participation in the Club World Cup, by falling to Monterrey also with a score of 1-5 in the fifth-sixth place match. Al-Ahly waited for 2022 to take revenge on Monterrey, which it faced for the third time in the World Cup. For clubs, this edition was held in the United Arab Emirates, and Al-Ahly beat Monterrey with a score of 1-0, scored by Mohamed Hani, to qualify for the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. The fans of Al-Ahly of Egypt showed great enthusiasm for this anticipated confrontation, as they prepared to book tickets and encourage the team throughout the past days. The fans organized intense rehearsals and chants to support the team in the match, which was evident during their attendance at the Americas Derby Cup match, as they lit up the atmosphere in the stands of Stadium 974. Moreover, the Arab fans stand strongly behind Al-Ahly, as it is a representative of Arab football in this tournament, which He added additional momentum to the anticipated match.
Supporting Pachuca fans
On the other hand, Pachuca fans prepared to support their team with great enthusiasm, as they attended in large numbers to create an exciting atmosphere in the stands.
An epic awaiting
The World Cup Stadium 974 is expected to witness a fiery struggle between the players on the field and the fans of the two teams in the stands, making the confrontation one of the most exciting matches in the tournament.
Will Al-Ahly succeed in continuing its superiority and writing a new chapter of achievements? Or will Pachuca prove its worth by qualifying for the final? We will know the answer tomorrow.
Mohamed El-Shenawy: We are looking forward to writing history and not looking at Real Madrid
Mohamed El-Shenawy, the Egyptian Al-Ahly goalkeeper, stressed the importance of tomorrow’s confrontation against Mexico’s Pachuca in the Challenge Cup match.
He said, “The Challenge Cup Championship is a unique challenge for the players, stressing the team’s commitment to making every effort to win the title and add it to the club’s championship record to please its loyal fans.”
El-Shenawy added to the importance of the tournament, saying: “Participating in the Confederations Cup for Clubs is a historic opportunity for players, as the competitive atmosphere is exceptional, and the large public presence adds enthusiasm and strong motivation to every player.”
He continued: “We have the experience that qualifies us to separate between the multiple tournaments that we participate in, and our focus is currently entirely focused on the Challenge Cup match. We will not think about facing Real Madrid in the final before this match, which is considered extremely important, is settled.” At the end of his statements, El-Shenawy sent a message to Al-Ahly fans, saying: “Your continued support is the source of our strength. We are always happy to see you in the stands, whether in Qatar during the Confederations Cup or in Egypt during our local and African matches. Your presence is the greatest motivation for us to achieve victories.”
Closed training session for Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly is concluding its preparations today to meet Mexico’s Pachuca. The team had held a closed training session yesterday at the Ersal Stadium, and the technical staff preferred to hold the training closed; In order to provide the greatest amount of focus to the players, Technical Director Kohler was keen to meet with the players and urge them to give their utmost to achieve the Challenge Cup. On the other hand, Wael Jumaa, one of the team’s former stars, visited the team’s delegation.
We respect Al-Ahly.. Armando: Pachuca dreams of the final
Armando Martinez, president of the Mexican club Pachuca, confirmed that his team is specially preparing to face Al-Ahly club in the Challenge Cup tomorrow. He said, “We respect Al-Ahly,” noting that his team is focusing on the confrontation in particular before the final confrontation against Real Madrid if victory is achieved. He said: “We are focusing on facing Al-Ahly in the Challenge Cup and are not thinking about Real Madrid at the moment.” He added: “Facing Real Madrid in the 2025 Club World Cup is the most important, so what matters to us is focusing on the Al-Ahly match.” He continued: “We dream of facing Real Madrid, the best team in the world, and this is a goal for any team at the present time.”