Ahli will be looking to meet their fans' tremendous expectations when they appear in the FIFA Club World Cup for a record third time. The Red Devils are beaming with confidence after clinching a record sixth CAF Champions League title and nothing less than a place in the semis would satisfy their ever-demanding supporters. Portuguese boss Jose is understandably cautious, however, Ahli fans have every reason to trust their club. The Cairo giants took part in the CWC two successive times in 2005 and 2006, with the latter experience being a remarkable one. Ahli defeated New Zealand's Auckland City 2-0 to book a place in the semi-final before losing to Brazil's Internacional 2-1 after a spirited display. They clinched the bronze medal after claiming a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Club America in the third place playoff. Ahli's third-place finish made up for a disappointing CWC debut in 2005, in which they finished at the bottom of the six-team tournament after losing two games against Ittihad Jeddah and Sydney FC. Jose might have warned against high expectations ahead of this year's edition, but he remains confident Ahli have what it takes to dazzle the world with some impressive displays. "We are capable of playing modern and respectful football," he said "I advise the Japanese fans to watch our games, which can be more entertaining than Manchester United's." Road to the World Cup
Ahli demonstrated their superiority in Africa once again to ease into the Club World Cup. They were barely troubled by some less-fancied opponents in the CAF Champions League. Ahli were given a bye into the competition's round of 32 after Eritrean side Al-Tahrir withdrew. They were paired with South Africa's Platinum Stars in the third round. Platinum Stars claimed a surprising 2-1 home victory over Ahli in the first leg but the latter made amends with a 2-0 win at Cairo Stadium to reach the Champions League group stage. In Group A, Ahli were drawn along with arch-rivals Zamalek, Zimbabwe's Dynamos and ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast. But the so-called competitors were no match for Ahli, who qualified for the semi-final without suffering a single defeat. Three wins and three draws were enough for the 33-time Egyptian champions to advance as the group winners. In the semi-final, Ahli played against Enyimba. It seemed unlikely that the Nigerian side would be able to halt Ahli's unbeaten run after a goalless draw in the first-leg in Aba. A first-half strike from Flavio Amado in the return leg helped Ahli progress to the final for the fourth successive time. Ahli met Coton Sport, who were seeking their first ever continental title, but the Cameroonian club's dreams were shattered by a determined Ahli side, whose task was made much easier following an easy 2-0 home victory in the first-leg. A record sixth Champions League title was all but in the bag after Ahmed Hassan gave Ahli the lead in Garoua. Although Coton revived their slight hopes by scoring two goals, a late penalty by skipper Shadi Mohamed earned Ahli a 2-2 draw and a 4-2 aggregate win. "The players made history once again after reaching the Club World Cup for the third time," Jose said. "Ahli's current generation have what it takes to fulfill the fans' aims and expectations."
