Al Ahli Jeddah to face Auckland City in the FIFA Club World Cup

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

The winner of this tie will advance to the second round to face Mamelodi Sundowns, champions of the CAF Champions League.

The victor of this match will also progress to play against Mexican side Toluca, winners of the Copa Libertadores. The eventual finalist will then face Paris Saint-Germain, champions of France and holders of the UEFA Champions League title, in the final.

Al Ahli’s participation follows their triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite, where they defeated Japan’s Machida Zelvia. Auckland City qualified after winning the OFC Champions League, beating Solomon Islands’ Central Coast.

Al Ahli are hoping to maintain their strong start to the season and keep their unbeaten record intact for a ninth consecutive match across all competitions.

The Saudi club began the new campaign with three victories in the league and cup, following five pre-season friendlies in which they failed to secure a win.

Al Ahli are undergoing a transitional phase following the departure of German coach Matthias Jaissle to English club Newcastle United, and the appointment of Dutch-Bosnian coach Marino Pušić. The club has also said goodbye to several of its key stars, including Algerian Riyad Mahrez and Ivorian Franck Kessié, who were instrumental in Al Ahli’s Asian title triumph.