[ad_1]
The decision of the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach to hand Bwalya a starting spot paid off when he received an assist.
Pitso Mosimane’s Al Ahly claimed a close 1-0 victory over Qatari giant Al-Duhail in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday night.
Hussein El Shahat’s goal in the first half earned the Egyptian champions victory in a match that took place at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
Al Ahly Mosimane manager surprisingly named DRC striker Walter Bwalya in the starting lineup ahead of experienced shooter Marwan Mohsen.
While influential playmaker El Shahat, who has the ability to score important goals for the Red Devils, was deployed behind Bwalya by Mosimane.
On the other hand, Kenyan international Michael Olunga led the attack from Al-Duhail, who had former Morocco captain Medhi Benatia at the center of his defense.
Both teams were cautious in the opening exchanges and there was nothing to threaten the two goalkeepers, Mohamed El Shenawy and Salah Zakaria Moussa.
However, the Red Devils picked up the pace after the 20 minute mark and managed to break the stalemate via El Shahat at the half hour mark.
The 29-year-old, who scored six goals in last season’s Caf Champions League, edged past Moussa from the edge of the box to make Al Ahly 1-0 with Bwalya providing the assist.
Having proven to be a constant nuisance to Al Duhail’s defense, Bwalya thought he had doubled Al Ahly’s lead when he beat Moussa with a brilliant shot, but his goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Al-Duhail was struggling to create chances for their main forward Olunga, who was well marked by Moroccan central Badr Banoun and Al Ahly led 1-0 at halftime.
Olunga was replaced by Ghanaian-born forward Mohammed Muntari before the start of the second half, as the Red Knights sought to reestablish parity.
The Red Knights put some pressure on the Red Devils and El Shenawy made three smart saves to deny Muntari, Mohammed Mousa and Eduardo Dudu.
Mosimane reacted by introducing Mohsen and Akram Tawfik, who is a defensive midfielder by trade, as the Kagiso-born tactician sought to change the tone of the game.
The African champions were able to contain Al-Duhail in the final stages of the game, and finally Al Ahly were the 1-0 winners. They will face German giant Bayern Munich on Monday.
The winner between Al Ahly and Bayern will face Brazilian SC Palmeiras or Mexican Tigres UANL in the final on February 11.
