ABU DHABI: Palmeiras midfielder Dudu scored a superb second-half goal and created another as the Copa Libertadores winners earned a clinical 2-0 win over African champions Al Ahly at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Tuesday to book their place in the final of the Club World Cup.

The Brazilian side will meet the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and European champions Chelsea for the title.

After a drab opening that produced few chances, the game sprung to life in the 39th minute when Raphael Veiga turned in Dudu’s excellent first-time throughball to put Palmeiras in front.

Al Ahly were jolted again early in the second half after Dudu got on the scoresheet himself, rifling home from the right side with a powerful shot following some slick buildup play.

Al Ahly, who beat CONCACAF Champions League winners Monterrey 1-0 in the second round, enjoyed more of the ball after the interval but failed to break down a resolute Palmeiras defence.

A tap-in from Mohamed Sherif after a howler by Palmeiras keeper Weverton in the 72nd minute seemed to have set up an exciting finish but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

Any hopes of a comeback for the Egyptians were completely wiped out in the 81st minute when Ayman Ashraf was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle from behind on frontman Rony.

It capped off a difficult week for the 30-year-old, who was part of the Egypt side that lost to Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

A third semi-final loss in as many attempts against Brazilian opponents leaves the Egyptians trying to come away with a consolation bronze for the second tournament in a row.

Palmeiras lost to Mexico’s Tigres in last year’s semifinal at the Club World Cup. The two-time defending Copa Libertadores champions are recognised by FIFA as the first intercontinental world club champions after beating Juventus in a final at the Maracana Stadium in 1951.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2022