Seattle Sounders 0-1 Al Ahly: Heartbreak for MLS franchise at Club World Cup

The Seattle Sounders’ hopes of playing giants Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup were ended in cruelest fashion on Saturday.

The MLS side looked headed for extra time with Al Ahly’s second round match tied 0-0 with just minutes left.

But Mohamed Afsha’s 88th-minute goal deflected past a defender and found its way into the net to inflict anguish on the Sounders.

Seattle Sounders’ Dany Leyva and Alexander Roldan look dejected after Saturday’s 1-0 loss

Al Ahly’s Mohamed Afsha celebrates scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute of the match

The Sounders were knocked out of the FIFA Club World Cup in the cruelest way in Morocco

Al Ahly celebrates reaching the semifinals of the competition, courtesy of a late winner

Afsha’s last rebound, having initially hit the woodwork, was wickedly deflected to win the game for the Egyptian club and set up a dream showdown for them against the European champions.

Afsha hit a speculative effort from distance that sailed past Seattle goalie Stefan Frei and slammed into the crossbar.

The ball bounced his way, allowing him a volley that Alex Roldan deflected past his own keeper as he stuck out his foot to block the shot.

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer was downcast in his postgame interview, albeit a brief one.

He said: ‘I thought we were good. I thought we were even.

Al Ahly, competing in an eighth tournament, now faces Real Madrid in Rabat on Wednesday, after Tuesday’s other semi-final between Brazil’s Flamengo and Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal.

Asian champions Al Hilal won earlier on Saturday against local team Wydad Casablanca on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw.

It was a heartbreaking end for Seattle, the first Major League Soccer team to compete in the Club World Cup, and still in its pre-season before the league campaign kicks off later this month.

The game had few chances although the Egyptians, who were semifinalists in the last Club World Cup in 2021, enjoyed a lot of possession.

Taher Mohamed of Al Ahly hits the goal in the FIFA Club World Cup tie against Seattle Sounders

The Sounders fans made the long trip to Morocco this Saturday to cheer on their team

Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer gestures on the sideline during tight matchup

Al Ahly’s Ali Maaloul battles for the ball with Seattle Sounders’ Cristian Roldan in a big clash

Al Ahly fans wave flags as their team beat Real Madrid on Wednesday