The Seattle Sounders made history as the first Major League Soccer club to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, but that is all they will be able to take home with them from Morocco as they were cruelly beaten by Al Ahly 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
The MLS club dominated possession for long stretches of the match but failed to produce the moment of quality in front of net needed to strike. Playing in their first match of the season, nearly a month before the MLS season begins, there was a clear lack of sharpness and fitness, as one might expect.
Al Ahly, who were extremely poor in the first half, began to build themselves into the match across the hour mark, and they found their key moment with just two minutes from the end of regulation. Substitute forward Mohamed Magdy struck the bar with a glittering strike, and the rebound found its way back to his feet. He poked his second effort on goal, and a massive deflection off Alex Roldan took the ball past Stefan Frei to break the Sounders' hearts.
The prize to this quarterfinal match was large, as Al Ahly now advance to a semifinal date with European giants Real Madrid, in the competition as the defending Champions League winners.
MORE: Full look at the FIFA Club World Cup tournament bracket, results, and fixtures in 2023
The Sporting News will be following the match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly final score
| 1H | 2H | Final | |
| Seattle | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Al Ahly | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Goals:
88th min — ALH — Mohamed Magdy
Confirmed lineups:
Seattle Sounders (4-2-3-1, right to left): 24.Frei (GK)— 16. A. Roldan, 28. Y. Gomez, 25. Ragen (Montero, 90+1'), 5. Nouhou — 11. Rusnak (Heber, 90+1'), 84. Atencio (Paulo, 68') — 7. C. Roldan (Leyva, 84'), 10. Lodeiro, 13. Morris — 9. Ruidiaz.
Al Ahly (4-5-1, right to left): 1.ElShenawy (GK) — 30. Hany, 4. Metwally, 24. Abdelmonem, 21. Maaloul — 7. Kharaba (Sherif, 63'), 8. Fathi (Afsha, 63'), 15. Dieng, 17. El Soulia, 27. T. Mohamed (Abdelkader, 63') — 23. Tau (Rabia, 90+3').
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly post-match analysis
Sounders beaten in predictable fashion
Everyone knew coming into this match that the Seattle Sounders were entering this game at a severe disadvantage, with the MLS season not yet starting for nearly a month. The Sounders ramped up their preseason extremely early, even flying to Europe to play a pair of split-squad friendlies in the hopes of getting some match experience before jetting off to Morocco.
The team looked about as sharp as you can expect, but in the end, the Sounders faded as the match progressed. There was a lack of urgency in the first half, knowing they likely needed to take advantage of their possessional dominance with the knowledge of what was to come. They were unable to do so, and it slowly slipped away.
The defeat ultimately came in cruel fashion, but it's fair to say that Al Ahly dominated the final 20-30 minutes of the match. This, obviously, is not Seattle's fault, and it's something that has bitten MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League previously, leading to Mexico's dominance in continental play over the last 20 years.
A script we are very familiar with from CCL. Team in preseason lacks sharpness in key moments, and fitness late on. Good showing from Sounders overall
— David Gass (@empiregass) February 4, 2023
Brian Schmetzer's substitutions were poor given the situation
It was easy to see the match was starting to slip away by the 65th minute, and given the above, it was easy to see why as well. Fitness was a concern, and it should have been accounted for.
Instead, Al Ahly made the first substitutions in the 63rd minute, bringing on a trio of attacking players as head coach Marcel Koller could see the game swinging slowly in his favor. It paid off in a big way, as the Egyptian club gained a stranglehold over the match, and eventual goalscorer Mohamed Magdy made his mark on the game in multiple ways.
Schmetzer only made two substitutions of note, bringing on Joao Paulo in the 68th minute before throwing Danny Leyva in at the 84th minute. While those changes were the right ones in the situation, they quite simply weren't enough. A need for fresh legs was evident in midfield, even if it meant sacrificing a forward or yanking off workhorse Albert Rusnak.
Getting to extra time was critical, even if it came at a cost of attacking impetus and switching to playing direct. Kellyn Rowe being left on the bench is criminal.
Schmetzer's subs use and pattern... not great.
— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) February 4, 2023
Sounders are too thin in midfield
Another problem anticipated in this match was the lack of midfield options at the club, which undoubtedly hampered Brian Schmetzer's ability to make the proper substitutions when needed.
Aside from everyday players Albert Rusnak and Cristian Roldan, the options are depleted, forcing 21-year-old academy product Josh Atencio into a starting role. Joao Paulo should eventually return once he regains his fitness after an ACL tear, while Kellyn Rowe is a versatile player in a pinch, but the club clearly prefers to play him at full-back when able.
Otherwise, the only options are 19-year-old Danny Leyva, 20-year-old Sota Kitahara, and a host of other younger, even less experienced players like Dylan Teves, Ethan Dobbelaere, and Reed Baker-Whiting. It's a mess, and it could cost Seattle games this season if they get overrun and Schmetzer has nowhere to turn.
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly live updates, highlights, commentary
FULLTIME: Seattle Sounders 0-1 Al Ahly
It's a cruel ending for the Seattle Sounders as they are defeated by a speculative shot and a massive subsequent deflection. The MLS side was well up to the task throughout the match, but did admittedly fade late as they begin their regular season in this game.
You could hear the disappointment in Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer's voice as he spoke immediately after the match, saying it was hard to swallow this result as the players "were very good" in the game (true) and "put everything" into ramping up their preseason weeks earlier than other MLS clubs.
Al Ahly were poor in the final third, but they probably do deserve at least a shot at Real Madrid for how they pushed in the final half-hour of the match to create more chances at the death than Seattle, who were punished for a lack of fitness and a failure to take advantage of the first half dominance.
Seattle players go over to thank the group of Sounders fans who made the journey to Morocco. pic.twitter.com/URrf8K8Ii7
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) February 4, 2023
Seattle Sounders vs. Al Ahly: Second half
90+1 min:Four minutes of stoppage time are all that Seattle have left in the Club World Cup to find an equalizer. Brian Schmetzer throws on his last attacking punt, with new signing Heber entering alongside Fredy Montero.
88th min: GOAL! AL AHLY!It's so unlucky for the Seattle Sounders, but Al Ahly lead with three minutes to go! Mohamed Magdy thought he'd produced the moment of brilliance required, but as his incredible hit from distance looped over Stefan Frei and dipped, it came off the crossbar. Somehow, the ball found its way right back to Magdy, and he had a second go, with the ball deflecting with a cruel touch off Alex Roldan into the back of the net. Roldan stuck his foot out to block the speculative shot, and it wrong footed Frei into the back of the net. The stadium in Morocco explodes!
For what it's worth, Afsha has been a game-changer since coming off the bench, but that deflection is extremely harsh on the Sounders and their performance across the match as a whole.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 4, 2023Afsha puts @AlAhly ahead 1-0!
His right footed follow up shot from outside the box takes a fortunate deflection and finds the bottom right corner 🙌 pic.twitter.com/eNw9l4Aduz
83rd min:Possessional advantage continues to swing back and forth, with the Sounders now in control. Still, it's their turn to have lots of the ball and do very little with it. Nouhou swings in a vertical delivery to Alex Roldan but it's out of reach and over the end line.
On comes a second change for the Sounders, as Cristian Roldan comes off, replaced by 19-year-old Danny Leyva.
81st min:If you'd like a description of how this game has gone from an excitement standpoint, the international feed broadcaster has just attempted to explain the Designated Player rule to a multi-national audience. He did his best.
77th min:The Sounders have relieved the pressure from after the half-hour mark, but still are struggling to build forward. The match has devolved a bit again as the midfield battle continues. Joao Paulo has provided a bit of calm to Seattle but so far it's not been enough to give them the same possessional advantage they enjoyed in the first half.
Cristian Roldan sends a speculative ball for Jordan Morris but Mohamed El Shenawy is there to meet it. The crowd is starting to grow a bit restless waiting for something to happen on either end.
A cheeky effort from @SoundersFC's Roldan to try and find Morris in the box 👀 pic.twitter.com/WeainLLC2e
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 4, 2023
69th min: Chance, Al Ahly!The Egyptian club builds forward again, and this time it's JUST wide from Mohamed Afsha. He came so close to beating Stefan Frei! That's clearly Al Ahly's best chance of the match so far, and they are now truly in control of this match.
Seattle Sounders head man Brian Schmetzer makes the change we anticipated, bringing on Joao Paulo to replace Josh Atencio. Likely a pre-planned change with 20 minutes to go.
— Jacob Schneider (@_jacobschneider) February 4, 2023Joao Paulo playing for the #Sounders is a win for everyone across Major League Soccer.
Incredible player — makes the league better. Thrilled to see him back.
67th min:YIKES. Jackson Ragan misplays a header and allows Al Ahly to break, but he's not the one with egg on his face. Instead, that's Ahmed Abdelkader who completely swings and misses on his shot attempt, coming to meet a cutback near the penalty spot. It's akin to a baseball player swinging out of his shoes and losing his helmet, aiming for a 500 foot blast and coming up empty.
Excellent vision from @AlAhly's backline but it leads to nothing in the end 😬 pic.twitter.com/QTseQOFhh9
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 4, 2023
64th min:Al Ahly blinks first amongts the substitutions, as leading scorer Mohamed Sherif enters alongside Ahmed Abdelkader and Mohamed Afsha. Those are very attacking substitutions, especially considering Sherif replaced Mohamed Kahraba, instead of the booked Percy Tau. Head coach Marcel Koller may be looking to capitalize on this increased possessional dominance over the past 10 minutes or so.
59th min:As rough as Al Ahly have looked to this point, they are now starting to dominate possession in midfield. Seattle can't get themselves onto the ball like they did for long stretches of the first half. Still, there's very little way through this Seattle defensive line.
Percy Tau gets the game's first yellow card from refree Anthony Taylor for dragging back and then fouling Nouhou.
👀 @AlAhly's Percy Tau is shown a yellow card for this tackle on the @SoundersFC's Nouhou Tolo 🟨 pic.twitter.com/xNLTqj0AhX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 4, 2023
Changes could be imminent for Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer, and midfielder Joao Paulo could be one of them. Coming off an ACL tear in the CONCACAF Champions League, it would be a fitting time for him to enter the fray.
I think we’re getting close to Joao Paulo time #Sounders #ClubWC
— Nathan Santo Domingo (@NSDwx) February 4, 2023
56th min:Al Ahly have been incredibly mistake-prone thus far. They finally get into the Seattle penalty area, but instead of hitting on goal first-time in space, Mahmoud Kharaba decides to let the ball bounce, and it gets away from him over the end line. It's been a pretty putrid performance from the Egyptian club to this point.
51st min:Finally there's the first shot on target of the match for either team, as Josh Atencio steps up and has a whip with his right leg. It's a low, driven shot but centrally located and right at Mohamed El Shenawy who makes a very comfortable save, without much energy expended. Speculative at best. Still, it's something on frame!
48th min:Al Ahly controls the opening spell of possession as they did in the first half, but Alex Roldan makes a quality tackle on the right flank, and the Sounders win it back and control. The Sounders have been nothing short of excellent defensively today.
Kickoff:No changes at the break for either side, which isn't surprising. Look for Brian Schmetzer to monitor his team's energy levels closely, as this is their first competitive match of the season, and fitness could be a concern. Schemtzer did address his pre-match, saying he made sure his players followed strict fitness programs over the offseason, but it's tough to replicate the fitness needed for competitive matches. Itmay restrict Schmetzer's ability to use subs on player performance or tactical needs, instead forced to using his substitutes for fresh legs at certain positions. We shall see how that plays out.
getting a real "MLS team outplays someone in CCL but doesn't capatalize and fades late because they aren't fit enough yet" sense here https://t.co/PR1hI3G7cX
— J. Sam Jones (@J_SamJones) February 4, 2023
HALFTIME: Seattle Sounders 0-0 Al Ahly
The Seattle Sounders will consider themselves the more dominant side in that opening half, but it didn't amount to much in front of net. Both sides will be comfortable as they head into the locker room, and it looks like it may take a moment of brilliance from a player on either side to find a goal in this game.
In the other quarterfinal, Al Hilal advanced to face Palmeiras, topping hosts Wydad Casablanca on penalties in a dramatic finish. Just one semifinal participant to decide, and it will be decided in the final 45 minutes of this game, or penalties if required.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 4, 2023Seattle Sounders don’t look at all like a team in the middle of preseason. Crisp, quick combinations for some intricate sequences. Just missing a goal.
Really encouraging by the Sounders as the first MLS team to ever play in this competition. pic.twitter.com/294Bd9TC3d
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly: First Half
45th min:Just as regulation time expires, Al Ahly has a peek at the Seattle penalty area but Jackson Ragan blocks the entry feed with an attacker lurking. They've had hardly a kick of the ball in the attacking third, and the Seattle defenders have done well to sniff out their creativity on the few occasions they have ventured forward.
42nd min:The Sounders have their fourth corner of the half, which is punched awkwardly straight in the air by Mohamed El Shenawy, but there's no Seattle attacker to take advantage. Seattle have been the better side overall this half, especially since the opening 10 minutes, but they've struggled to really threaten the Egyptian goalkeeper much, if at all.
36th min: Chance, Sounders!Oh my Albert Rusnak has GOT to do better with that. Nicolas Lodeiro produced a brilliant back-heel, springing Rusnak into space at the top of the penalty area with no defenders tracking his run, but the Seattle midfielder rushed his shot and blasted it miles wide left. That's an awful finish from a quality buildup, which have been lacking on both ends in this match.
It appears that Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer is keeping things fresh on the field tactically, with the side switching formations in and out of possession.
— Joseph Lowery (@joeclowery) February 4, 2023One of those tactical adjustments that Schmetzer mentioned appears to be Seattle shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3 in possession, with...
◽️ Nouhou as a 3rd CB in possession
◽️ Jordan Morris providing width on the left
◽️ Nico Lodeiro and Cristian Roldan in the halfspaces https://t.co/Ruk5xSny9Z
32nd min:This match has devolved into a midfield battle, with neither side really able to build forward into dangerous attacking moves. A chess match for sure, but one that has provided very little goal mouth action.
26th min:Mohamed El Shenawy is up and ready to continue. Seattle have maintained possession well since the opening 10 minutes, and have produced the only few chances, but they still seem to struggle a bit to really display a consistent cutting edge up in the build-up.
Sounders have settled in well after the 1st ten mins. Lack of quality in possession on the left side hurts
— David Gass (@empiregass) February 4, 2023
24th min:Jordan Morris, sporting bleached blond hair, wins Seattle a corner. It's delivered to the far post well and Morris was there to connect, reaching it ahead of Mohamed El Shenawy who came out to punch but only got a slight touch. It appeared that touch, however, may have done just enough to put Morris off, and he headed the ball down and out of play.
El Shenawy is down and receiving treatment, as the trainers appear to check his ribs.
I will say, it's very easy to spot blonde Jordan. #Sounders #ClubWC
— Sounder At Heart (@sounderatheart) February 4, 2023
21st min:Seattle have built well into this match. A corner for the Sounders is bobbled around in the area a bit before it's cleared. Al Ahly have a counter but Seattle recovers well.
The Seattle Sounders become the first ever MLS side to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/5QPZCETilL
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 4, 2023
14th min: Chance, Seattle!A Sounders free-kick from about 25 yards out is taken by Albert Rusnak who blasts it straight into the wall. It rebounds right to the feet of Nicolas Lodeiro though, and he blasts a frozen rope just slightly wide left. Beat the goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, but beat the post as well.
11th min:The Egyptians spent nearly the entire opening 10 minutes in the Seattle half, but finally the Sounders get themselves stuck into possession and venture forward. A good sign as they build into the match. They're forced to cycle possession back but do so well.
5th min:Al Ahly are on the front foot early, attacking down their right flank. Josh Atencio blocks a cross before Anthony Taylor has a talk with Mohamed Hany and Nouhou who are battling often early on that wing.
2nd min:It appears Fox is having some difficulties with the broadcast feed from Morocco. The feed for the other quarterfinal cut out completely about 10 minutes ago, and now the commentary seems to be absent for the start of this match. Finally there's a broadcaster who chimes in about 90 seconds in.
Kickoff:The Sounders officially become the first MLS club to participate in the Club World Cup! Looks who's on hand to watch the game, it's none other than part-owner Ken Griffey Jr, a Seattle legend in Tangier.
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 4, 2023Seattle ➡️ Morocco
Ken Griffey Jr. is in Tangier for our #ClubWC match! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0cdtEpYR5n
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly: Pre-match commentary, news, analysis, and more
9 mins to kick:As the game draws nearer, here's a really fun reimagining of what the Club World Cup looks like, adding in the later stages of each continental competition that the clubs qualified from.
A fun way to look at the Club World Cup, updated https://t.co/Dtt1hxi6rJ pic.twitter.com/Lh9cgc4gZK
— Brian Straus (@BrianStraus) February 3, 2023
22 mins to kick:Seattle fans have shown up in Morocco! Looks like they're enjoying the pre-match festivities. Have to imagine this will be a very hostile environment for the Sounders, with Egyptian fans enjoying a much quicker travel route to Morocco, but at least the Sounders will have some support on hand!
— Ana De Souza (@theanatronfc) February 4, 2023
Wherever we may go 💚 pic.twitter.com/kuvKsqJzUE
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 4, 2023
35 mins to kick:In the other quarterfinal taking place today, Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca, who are officially not the "host nation" club (that's technically Al Ahly) as sitting CAF Champions League title holders, went ahead of Asian participant Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia early after halftime on a clunky goal by Ayoub El Amoud.
Al Hilal drew level late in regulation, though, on a penalty awarded in the 87th minute. The end of regulation was kind of bonkers, as it took ages for the penalty to be taken, and Casablanca's Yahya Jabrane was sent off for a pair of yellow cards in the process, first for scuffing the penalty spot and then for dissent. It's level as they head to extra-time, with the hosts down to 10 men. The winner of that match advances to face Brazilian side Flamengo in the semifinals.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 4, 2023A handball has been called inside the box 🫢
PENALTY TO AL HILAL! pic.twitter.com/dHl779OEd3
45 mins to kick:The Sounders lineup is out now, and it's exactly as expected. This same eleven started in a friendly against Wolfsberger a week ago, and as expected they're together in the season opener at the Club World Cup. The midfield depth is a concern, but overall this is a similar look to last season's CCL triumph.
The best of today's match against Wolfsberger AC 🎥 pic.twitter.com/bYss2U7SdE
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) January 29, 2023
55 mins to kick:The Al Ahly lineup is out, and surprisingly, leading scorer Mohamed Sherif is not amongst the starting eleven, and on his birthday no less. Al Ahly's Swiss head coach Marcel Koller has decided to swap strikers, inserting South African international Percy Tau into the lineup instead. He has also rotated both wingers from the win over Auckland City.
It's a show of faith from Koller after reports that the Egyptian club blocked a move for Tau to South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, where he started his youth career.
🚨 Sundowns have submitted a proposal to Al Ahly for Percy Tau - but no response yet from the Egyptian giants on a possible deal.
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) January 31, 2023
Tau contracted until 2024. #SABCSport411#PSLDeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/DrnVdUsnAb
68 mins to kick:It's not often you get a split household when continental champions collide in the Club World Cup, but American author G. Willow Wilson is facing just that today!
The Sounders (the club I support) are playing against Al Ahly (the club my husband grew up supporting) in the Club World Cup about 2 hours, if you'd like some Shakespearean drama this Saturday morning. (The game is on FS2 in the US.)
— G. Willow Wilson (@GWillowWilson) February 4, 2023
80 mins to kick:The Sounders went unbeaten through all eight matches in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, including six against non-MLS clubs. They secured good road results in some tough places to play, including a 0-0 draw in Honduras plus a pair of draws in Mexico against good Liga MX sides.
This is a battle tested team in road environments, including tough CONCACAF venues with less than ideal pitches and extremely hostile crowds.
6 - @SoundersFC is unbeaten in 6 straight knockout stage matches against teams from outside the United States and Canada, the longest such streak ever by an @MLS team. International. pic.twitter.com/5gVKIW5D61
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) February 4, 2023
90 mins to kick:Today's venue looks gorgeous and ready to host a match! Ibn Batouta Stadium, also known as Grand Stade de Tangier, is a 65,000 seat stadium in Tangier, Morocco which first opened in 2011. It hosted matches in the 2018 Supercopa de Espana and has been part of previous FIFA World Cup bids by Morocco, as well as the currently in-process 2025 Africa Cup of Nations bid.
Tangier, we are here. #ebfgaway pic.twitter.com/29cmVLxoqz
— EmeraldCitySupporter (@WeAreECS) February 4, 2023
105 mins to kick:The Sounders are carrying the CONCACAF flag today, something Mexican clubs have been mostly tasked with to this point in the Club World Cup.
How have Mexican clubs done in the Club World Cup previously? It's a mixed bag. Last tournament, Monterrey fell in their first match, to today's very same opponent Al Ahly 1-0. However, two years ago, Tigres UNAL reached the final, defeating South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai in the quarterfinals before shocking Brazilian club Palmeiras in the semifinals. They were defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich in the finals, a fine showing for the Liga MX club.
It was the fist time a CONCACAF side had ever reached the competition's final, as our dear friend Grant Wahl pointed out at the time. Knowing Real Madrid stand in their way in the semifinals, it's hard to imagine the Sounders can become the second, but that's why they play the games, right? Have to first earn their chance in that potentially massive semifinal with a win today.
Tigres beats Palmeiras 1-0 on Gignac's penalty, becomes the 1st Concacaf team to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final. Will meet Bayern Munich or Al Ahly on Thursday at 1 pm ET.
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) February 7, 2021
120 mins to kick:The Sounders are in an unusual position in this match. The MLS season doesn't start for another three weeks, meaning they are entering into this massive FIFA tournament while still theoretically in their preseason. It will be fascinating to see how the squad responds, knowing there's months of rust to shake off.
Al Ahly, for their part, are in the midst of their Egyptian Premier League campaign, where they sit atop the league table. They have not won a league title since the 2019/20 season, having won five straight prior to that.
OFFICIALLY. MATCHDAY. IN MOROCCO. ⏰ pic.twitter.com/bz7heMauMe
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 3, 2023
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahlylineups & team news
Seattle played in a pair of preseason friendlies in Spain before jetting over to Morocco, and they deployed what is likely their first-choice lineup in one of them.
The below 11 started against Austrian top-flight club Wolfsberger FC, and that lineup is almost identical to the best 11 from last season. The only depth issue appears to be in midfield, where 21-year-old academy productJosh Atenciocould be primed to start alongside mainstayAlbert Rusnak. The only other options are 19-year-oldDaniel Leyva, 20-year-old Sota KitaharaorJoao Paulo,who's coming off an ACL tear.Kelyn Rowecould be deployed in the middle, but the club is clearly trying to use him at full-back when possible.
Seattle Sounders projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Frei (GK)— A. Roldan, Y. Gomez, Ragen, Nouhou — Rusnak, Atencio — C. Roldan, Lodeiro, Morris — Ruidiaz
Seattle Sounders subs (12):Cissoko, Leyva, Teves, Dobbelare, Montero, Heber, Castro, Joao Paulo, Rowe, Chu, Cleveland, Arreaga.
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 4, 2023Our @Delta Starting XI‼
📝 https://t.co/faFkh1d03r | #ClubWC pic.twitter.com/x3GqBIiGn0
Unlike their MLS opponents, Al Ahly are in the midst of their Egyptian league season. They sit atop the table without a loss all year long. Their star is goalkeeperMohamed El Shenawy, who has 42 caps for Egypt and is one of the country's most popular players.No. 10Amr El Soliais a threat up front as he pulls the strings in the attacking midfield role.
There are a few changes from Wednesday's win over Auckland City. Both wide players are swapped, withKharabaandTaher Mohamedentering the lineup, whileAhmed AbdelkaderandHussein El Shahatare sent to the bench.
Another player surprisingly amongst the substitutes is Al Ahly leading scorerMohamed Sherif, with five league goals this season, plus one in the win over Auckland City. He sits in favor of South African striker Percy Tauwho is rotated into the central striker spot.
Two Egypt internationals,Akram TawfikandKarim Fouad, are both missing due to ACL tears.
Al Ahly confirmed starting lineup(4-5-1): ElShenawy (GK) — Hany, Metwalli, Abdelmonem, Maaloul — Kahraba, Fathi, Dieng, El Solia, T. Mohamed — Tau.
Al Ahly subs (12):Abdelkader, Lotfi, Alaa, Shahat, Abdelfattah, Attia, Afsha, Ashraf, Fakhri, Sherif, Rabia, Ibrahim.
Our team for tonight 🦅#ClubWC#YallaYaAhly pic.twitter.com/Ei4hyaPAIQ
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) February 4, 2023
How to watch Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 4
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: Fox Sports 2
- Spanish-language TV: Fox Deportes
- Streaming:fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Fox Sports Go
The Seattle Sounders' match in the Club World Cup will be shown in the United States on Fox Sports 2, which is available to stream onfuboTV. The match will also be streamed on the Fox Sports platforms.
Fox Sports also has the Spanish language rights, with a Spanish-language broadcast available on Fox Deportes.
Seattle Sounders vs Al Ahly betting odds & lines
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Neds (Australia).
| Caesars | Sports Interaction | SkyBet | Neds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle win | +160 | +155 | 6/4 | 2.45 |
| Draw | +220 | +220 | 21/10 | 3.00 |
| Al Ahly win | +190 | +170 | 13/8 | 2.65 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | -115 / -115 | — | 4/5, 10/11 | 1.83 / 1.87 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | +120 / -150 | — | 11/10, 4/6 | 2.10 / 1.68 |
| Seattle -0.5 | +155 | — | — | — |
| Al Ahly +0.5 | -195 | — | — | — |
