Percy Tau not thinking about Manchester City yet after a good start in Club World Cup

He was speaking after their impressive opening win against Saudi Arabian champions Al Ittihad, beating them 3-1 in the quarterfinal played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Red Devils, who are making their third appearance at the Club World Cup in a space of four years, had a great game yesterday as Tunisian international left-back Ali Maloul converted from the penalty spot in the 21st minute.

Immediately after that French international striker and former Real Madrid marksman Karim Benzema had an opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot as well but the evergreen Mohamed El Shennawy denied him.

Ahly’s two more goals came from Hussein El Shahat and the classy Emam Ashour, who scored classy goals as Marcel Koller’s team showed their class in this tournament.

There was a late consolation goal from Benzema after substitute Anthony Modeste's red card forced Ahly to finish the game with 10-men.

Tau, who is playing in his third Club World Cup tournament having been previously there with Mamelodi Sundowns (2016) and Ahly (2022) is not thinking about the final yet.

“Look, it was a difficult game. We tried our best to win the game and our best was enough to get us through. We are happy with the win, we just have to build on from this.

“We are not thinking about the final yet or even Manchester City. We have the next game, we are taking one step at a time. In the semifinal, that’s where our focus is right now,” said a focused Tau.

Ahly will meet Copa Libertadores (South American) champions Fluminense from Brazil in the semi-finals on Monday.

The UEFA Champions (Man City) play the Asian Champions League holders Urawa Red Diamonds in the second semifinal, with the final scheduled for next Friday.

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