Ex-Real Madrid star Marcelo awaits Percy Tau’s Al Ahly in World Cup showdown
The stage is set for a potentially explosive encounter in the FIFA Club World Cup as former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo prepares to face off against South African superstar Percy Tau and his Al Ahly team.
Tau, recently crowned Caf Inter-Club Player of the Year award, put in a good shift as Al Ahly advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Club World Club after eliminating the star-studded Al Ittihad. The Egyptian club beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad 3-1 in the quarter-finals, to book a date with Brazilian side Fluminense.
And a win over Fluminense, home to Marcelo, will likely see them set up an interesting final against Premier League giants Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester City date Japanese giants Urawa Reds in the other semi-final match. Al Ahly and Fluminense are slated to clash on the 18th, with Manchester City and Urawa Reds pencilled to clash a day later.
HOW PERCY TAU FARED AGAINST AL ITTIHAD
Percy Tau, however, did not score but was menacing throughout the match. Ali Maaloul scored the first goal for Al Ahly after 21 minutes via a penalty kick.
Veteran striker Karim Benzema failed to level matters when Al Ittihad were given a penalty in the first half.
The Red Devils doubled their scores after the hour mark when Emam Ashour scored their third goal.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy put in a man-of-the-match performance, repelling massive attacks that came from the Jeddah side.
MUSIC TO HUGO BROOS’ EARS
In addition, Tau’s good performances come as music to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos who is building up to the AFCON finals.
The Lion of Judah, as Tau is fondly known, is in the bloated Bafana squad announced earlier this week.
Furthermore, he is expected to lead Bafana Bafana’s frontline in the continental championship. They are in Group Group E. Their group consists of Tunisia and Mali and Southern Africa rivals, Namibia.
For Al Ahly, Tau has scored five goals, four of which were in the Egyptian Premier League. In addition, he scored the other goal in the CAF Champions League.
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