36 Lion product Junior Ajayi and Al Ahly SC touch down in Qatar for FIFA Club World Cup

Nigeria international Junior Ajayi and the reigning club champions of Africa, Al Ahly arrived in Qatar on Friday night ahead of the 17th edition of the FIFA Club World CupTM.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC, meanwhile, qualified for the tournament after winning the CAF Champions League for a record ninth time thanks to a 2-1 victory over Zamalek SC.

On arrival in Doha, players and officials from both clubs underwent COVID-19 testing before departing for their designated hotel. They will remain in a medical bubble throughout the tournament in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Al Ahly SC will enter the tournament at the second-round stage and will face Qatari champions Al Duhail SC at Education City Stadium on 4 February (kick-off 20:30).

Al Ahly SC will face UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern München in the semi-finals if they beat Al Duhail SC.

Al Ahly SC manager Pitso Mosimane said: “We are delighted to be in Qatar for this exciting
tournament. There are many Al Ahly fans in Doha – and we are looking forward to having their support in our match against Al Duhail.

“This will be a great test for us as we aim to qualify for the semi-finals and a match against Bayern Munich.”

Six teams will compete in this year’s tournament: Al Duhail SC (host country
representatives), FC Bayern München (UEFA), Tigres UANL (CONCACAF), Al Ahly SC (CAF),
Ulsan Hyundai FC (AFC) and SE Palmeiras or Santos FC (CONMEBOL).

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representative Auckland City FC withdrew from the
competition in light of the COVID-19 quarantine measures required by New Zealand authorities.

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