Keeper Mohamed El-Shennawi was the hero as Ahly claimed the Club World Cup's bronze medal for a second time after beating South American champions Palmeiras 3-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Qatar's Al-Rayyan on Thursday. El-Shennawi, one of Ahly's standout performers in their treble-winning campaign last season, produced two superb saves in the shootout to lead the Red Devils to a remarkable victory over their fancied opponents. He dived the right way to smother Felipe Melo's fifth spot kick, having blocked Rony's first penalty while Adriano also missed the target. Ahly's Amr El-Sulaya and Marwan Mohsen also wasted their efforts but the popular Cairo club eventually prevailed to get something out of the tournament after losing 2-0 to European champions Bayern Munich in the semis. Although Ahly finished third in 2006 in Japan, this year's bronze medal is all the more special because it came at the expense of one of the pre-tournament favourites. It's the first time for Ahly in six Club World Cup appearances to overcome the Copa Libertadoreswinners, having lost in the semis to Brazilian duo Internacional and Corinthians in 2006 and 2012 respectively. More to follow.
