African champions Ahli are fully aware that they can't afford to slip-up as they take on Mexico's Pachuca in their Club World Cup opener on Saturday. A win would lift Ahli to the semi-final of the FIFA showcase while a defeat would see them playing a meaningless fifth-place play-off. “It is like a final, because the loser will go home early while the winner will go on to play in the later stages,” Ahli coach Manuel Jose said. “This game is important and we are ready for it, and I'm sure that if we win it we can ride the wave and continue to give good performances.” The Red Devils are somewhat familiar with Mexican teams, having defeated Club America in the 2006 tournament to win the bronze medal. But Portuguese coach Jose believes such an experience would count for nothing in the anticipated game against CONCACAF champions Pachuca. “Yes they are both from Mexico but their style of play is completely different.” “I have the utmost respect for Club America, but I believe Pachuca have some excellent players, and as I said, we play with the same formation so it's a totally different game.”
Abou-Treika awaits records Jose, widely considered as the best coach in Ahli's history, has a fully-fit squad to choose from. The only debatable question in Ahli's line-up will be whether Jose is going to field two men upfront or rely on Angolan Flavio Amado as a lone striker. The latter option looks more likely. In such formation, Flavio hardly finds himself isolated as influential duo Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Barakat provide him with sufficient support. Personal Glories Classy playmaker Abou-Treika has a chance to make history in Pachuca match. If he finds the net, Abou-Treika will become the Club World Cup's all-time top scorer with four goals. The Egyptian international has three goals to his account, just like French striker Nicolas Anelka and former Brazil star Romario. Abou-Treika and teammate Wael Gomaa will also take their tally to six appearances in the tournament if they took part against Pachuca. Their expected participation will help them match Brazilian keeper Dida, who played six games in the tournament during two spells with Corinthians and AC Milan.
