FIFA Club World Cup: African giants Al Ahly ease past Auckland City

The 19th edition of the FIFA Club World Cup kicked-off on Wednesday in Tangier, Morocco with African giants Al Ahly SC of Egypt thrasing New Zealand's Auckland City FC 3-0.

Ten-time African champions Al Ahly, who finished third in the last edition of the tournament held in the UAE last year, scored their first goal in the dying minutes of the first half, with midfielder Hussein El Shahat giving his team a head start.

In the second half of the game, Egyptian Mohamed Sherif secured the lead for his team, scoring a second goal in the 56th minute, doubling the advantage for Africa's club of the century.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and South African forward Percy Tau scored a third goal for his team in the 89th minute.

Auckland City, which competes in the Northern League, has established itself as a prominent force in both New Zealand and Oceania.

Established in 2004, the club has won the New Zealand Football Championship title eight times and the OFC Champions League title ten times.

Fourth time's a charm: Bayern finally win in 2023 and Choupo-Moting is the man

Al Ahly, among the most successful football clubs in Africa and internationally, will return to the field on Saturday to face Seattle Sounders of New York in the next round.

The team has claimed the Egyptian Premier League title 42 times, the Egypt Cup title 37 times, and the Egyptian Super Cup title 12 times. Al Ahly is, by all standards, the most successful club in Africa.