Al Ahly SC stars praise Qatar’s organisation of FIFA Club World Cup

Players from Egyptian giants Al Ahly SC have been full of praise for Qatar’s hosting abilities during the FIFA Club World Cup.

Ahead of their semi-final tonight against FC Bayern München at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (kick-off 21:00 local time), Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed El Shenawy praised the tournament organisers and said fans had much to look forward to when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup™ in under two years’ time.

El Shahat, who scored the winning goal in Al Ahly’s second-round match against Qatari champions Al Duhail SC, said: “In terms of organisation, everything has been world-class. The training sites and stadiums are of the highest level. Qatar is doing a very good job and this is something which makes all Arabs very proud.”

Winger El Shahat continued: “We hope it will be a fantastic World Cup and I wish Qatar all the best. I hope to be here with the Egyptian team in 2022.

“I think the fans will have a lot to enjoy here in 2022. Hopefully, by then the pandemic is over and we will see full stadiums. I hope the fans will enjoy this atmosphere.”

El Shahat also praised the Qatar-based Al Ahly fans, who turned out in force for the 1-0 victory over Al Duhail at Education City Stadium.

He added: “There are many Al Ahly fans all over the world. I was very happy to play in front of a large crowd here in Qatar – I love a passionate atmosphere. I hope the crowd will continue to be with us throughout the tournament.”

Al Ahly goalkeeper El Shenawy, meanwhile, said the players had adapted well to the stringent health and safety protocols implemented by Qatar in order to protect everyone from the spread of COVID19.

“We are all in the medical bubble but the atmosphere is very good,” said El Shenawy. “We abide by the restrictions and thank the tournament organisers for their professionalism. We understand the circumstances we are in and realise we need to be resilient for the sake of the tournament.

Everyone is aware of the significance of this event. Overall, everything is going well – the hotel is excellent and the stadiums are world-class. The players are happy, and the atmosphere is very good.”

El Shenawy said the tournament was excellent preparation for the World Cup, which he believes fans from across the globe will enjoy.

“Everything is very well organised here and the stadiums are world-class. I am sure the fans will enjoy the World Cup in Qatar. The stadiums are all close to each other – and if fans want to watch two matches a day, they can. The transport is good and fans can easily get to and from the stadiums.

I could see from our first match that everything went smoothly. I think 2022 will be very good for fans. They will enjoy everything that Qatar has to offer.”