Despite Al Ittihad boasting the likes of Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho in their ranks, Egypt legend Mido believes record African champions Al Ahly will defeat the big-spending Saudi champions at the FIFA Club World Cup.
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On Tuesday night, the Saudi Pro League title holders set up a second-round showdown with the Club of the Century when they put three goals past New Zealand outfit Auckland City.
The Tigers' star players Benzema, Kante and Romarinho all got on the scoresheet as Ittihad look to make an impact on the pitch on one of the world's biggest stages, just like they did in the previous transfer window.
The Marcelo Gallardo-led side have now set up a tussle with Ahly, who will be participating in their fourth successive Club World Cup, on Friday, and while the Middle Eastern side were prolific against the Oceania Club Championship winners, Mido told On Time Sports channel that he backs his former rivals to progress to the semi-finals.
"Al Ahly is capable of defeating Al Ittihad Jeddah and qualifying for the next round in the Club World Cup," he said on the Goal TV programme.
As per Kooora, the ex-Zamalek attacker feels that Ahly boss Marcel Koller is currently receiving unfair criticism because of the team's performances and results of late, which he attributes to their participation in the African Football League.
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The 2006 Africa Cup of Nations winner went on to state that after being the youngest-ever individual to both play and coach the White Knights, he could yet become the youngest ever to be president of the club too.
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