Saudi Al Ahli to face Auckland City for a spot in the second round of the Club World Cup

Saudi club Al Ahli, the Elite AFC Champions League titleholders, are aiming to secure a spot in the second round of the Intercontinental Club Cup, as they face New Zealand’s Auckland City on Wednesday at the Inma Stadium in Jeddah.

The winner of this tie will then meet South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, champions of the CAF Champions League, in the second round.

The victor of this match will also advance to face Mexico’s Toluca, winners of the Copa Libertadores, before ultimately confronting France’s Paris Saint-Germain, champions of Ligue 1 and reigning UEFA Champions League holders, in the final.

Al Ahli’s participation comes after they claimed the Elite AFC Champions League title by defeating Japan’s Machida Zelvia, while Auckland City qualified by winning the OFC Champions League against Solomon Islands’ Central Coast.

Al Ahli are hoping to build on their strong start to the season and maintain their unbeaten record, which stands at nine matches across all competitions so far.

The Saudi club began the new campaign with three consecutive victories in the league and cup, following a pre-season period of five matches without a win.

Al Ahli are undergoing a transitional phase following the departure of German coach Matthias Jaissle to English club Newcastle United, as well as the exit of several key stars, including Algerian Riyad Mahrez and Ivorian Franck Kessié, who were instrumental in the club’s Asian title triumph.

The Saudi side hopes to make amends for their exit in the second round last year, when they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Egypt’s Pyramids FC in front of their own fans.

Auckland City were also eliminated in the first round last year, also by Pyramids FC.