- N'Golo Kante scored an absolute screamer for Al-Ittihad on Tuesday evening
- Karim Benzema also scored as the Saudi side defeated Auckland City 3-0
- How do you ask a celebrity on a crowded train to move away from a seat you've reserved? It all starts
N'golo Kante's stunning right-foot strike helped Al-Ittihad beat Auckland City 3-0 in Jeddah on Tuesday night, with the Saudi Pro League side now progressing to the second round of the FIFA Club World Cup.
While it was heartbreak for Auckland, who were making their 11th appearance at the tournament, Al-Ittihad will now advance to face Al Ahly, with Karim Benzema also scoring in the match.
Romarinho set up a goal for the Saudi champions after 29 minutes, with Zakaria Al Hawsawi playing his teammate into the penalty area with a lovely pass.
Kante doubled the lead just five minutes later, grabbing a rebound on the edge of the penalty area before putting his right foot through the ball, sending it flying into the bottom right corner of the net.
It was a stunning goal and the former Chelsea midfielder, who moved to the club earlier this summer, caught it perfectly with the laces of his boot.
N'Golo Kante scored a brilliant strike to help Al-Ittihad beat Auckland 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup
Karim Benzema also scored in the match to help the Saudi team progress to the next round
Your browser does not support iframes.
Fans watching the match pointed out that Kante, who has now scored twice in all competitions since joining Al-Ittihad, did not celebrate the goal but was swamped by his teammates in a group chat.
The Saudi side qualified for the tournament after winning the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League, with Manchester City set to enter the tournament in the semi-finals, with their first match on December 19.
'The man is too modest. He looks like he was embarrassed that he scored,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Look how humble my husband is,” said another, while a fan wrote: “The best party in the world.”
Fans branded Kante 'humble' on social media for not celebrating after his stunning effort
Al-Ittihad now advance to Al Ahly and if they win, they will play Fluminese in the semi-finals.
Another added, posting several “crying eyes” emojis “Still don't know how to celebrate. Miss this baller.'
Benzema scored the third goal before half-time, with Muhannad Al Shanqiti sliding the ball to the former Real Madrid star, who sealed the match with a tap-in.
In fact, the goal means the French striker is now the first player to score in four separate Club World Cups.
Should Al-Ittihad beat Al Ahly, they will face Fluminese in the semi-finals on December 18.