A double salvo from Mohamed Abou-Treika helped Ahli edge Mexico s Club America with a 2-1 victory on Sunday to clinch the bronze medal in the 2006 FIFA Club World Cup. The Egypt international put Ahli ahead three minutes before the interval with a trademark free-kick before Salvador Cabanas leveled the score on the hour. The CAF Player of the Year nominee secured the historic win in the 79th minute with a low shot from close range after a superb exchange with Angolan striker Flavio Amado. The victory means Ahli became the first African side to finish third in the global event as Barcelona and Internacional clash for the title later on Sunday. Ahli dominated the first ten minutes with Emad Meteb earning an early corner-kick and Flavio sending a powerful drive wide from long distance. Goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid, who started instead of injured Essam Al-Hadari, fell on the ground and needed treatment in the 15th minute. Club America got into the game and threatened Ahli s net more than once with their short and quick passes around the area. Cabanas was the danger man for the Mexicans with his bold runs into the area that troubled Ahli's defense. Club America had a penalty claim turned down after Mathias Vuoso seemed to have been upended by Emad Al-Nahhas in the 20th minute. Ahli players Flavio, Islam Al-Shater and Hossam Ashour continued firing from long range but it was Abou-Treika who opened the score for the Egyptian powerhouse. Flavio was awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area after being clipped from behind. Abou-Treika stepped up to curl a stinging ball that floated over the wall and past a fully stretched Guillermo Ochoa. Ahli started the second-half in a defensive mode, leaving the opponents to set their own pace especially after the introduction of Cuauhtemoc Blanco. The electric Blanco pumped blood into his team and, with great skill, he set up Cabanas for the equalizer in the 60th minute. The former Mexican international sidestepped Al-Nahhas on the right flank before swinging an inch-perfect cross to the darting striker who headed it home despite a touch from Abdul-Hamid. Ahli restored their normal game after the goal as coach Manuel Jose fielded Hassan Mostafa, Ahmed Sedik and Mohamed Sedik for Ashour, Al-Shater and Meteb respectively. Abou-Treika launched several raids on the Mexican goal and fell down a couple of times inside and around the area, forcing the referee to dole him a yellow card for diving in the 63rd minute. He responded nearly 15 minutes later with a marvelous winner. Outpacing his challenger from midfield, Abou-Treika combined with Flavio for a swift give-and-go that beat America s static defense before tucking the ball past the advancing Ochoa.
