Tau’s goal silences critics, Al Ahly win Fifa Club World Cup bronze

Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau silenced critics with a goal to help Al Ahly win Fifa Club World Cup bronze medal. Al Ahly defeated Urawa Reds 4-2 in a third-place play-off in Saudi Arabia on December 22 2023. Tau netted Al Ahly’s second goal in the 25^th minute at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in the Fifa Club World Cup match. The former PSL Player-of-the-Year netted six minutes after El Hanafi had put the Egyptian Premier League kings ahead. The Japanese opponents pulled the game level. Urawa Reds scored via Jose Kante and Scholz in the 43^rd and 54^th minutes. However, Koizumi’s own goal and Maalol injury-time strike won it for the CAF Champions League holders at the Fifa Club World Cup.

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How Tau overcame criticism after penalty incident at Fifa Club World Cup

Tau retained his place despite having received criticism from some quarters in Egypt after he gave away a penalty two days ago. The former Mamelodi Sundowns star cost Al Ahly the penalty in a semifinal clash against Fluminense FC.

Fluminense right-back Marcelo slotted the ball in between Tau’s legs. The 2018 PSL Player-of-the Year reacted by fouling the Brazilian defender, whose side eventually earned the penalty. Jhon Arias stepped forward to score from the dreaded spot in the 71^st minute. The penalty put the Egyptian Premier League champions on the undesirable path to a 2-0 loss to Fluminense FC in the semifinal game.

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Tau earns Al Ahly coach’s faith at Fifa Club World Cup despite criticism

Tau eventually made way for Karim Fouad with 15 minutes remaining on the clock. With the Lion of Judah out, Fluminense scored the second goal. The South Americans cushioned the lead through John Kennedy’s strike. Despite the backlash, Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller retained the South African in the starting line-up.

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What bronze finish mean for Al Ahly coach

Koller emulated South Africa mentor Pitso Mosimane. The former Al Wahd manager won two-back-to back bronze medals with Al Ahly at the Club World Cup. However, the Egyptians fell short of meeting that performance bar at the last Club World Cup held in Morocco. The CAF Champions League holders finished fourth after losing 4-2 to Flamengo.

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In another match at the Club World Cup, Fluminense date Manchester City in the final. The Premier League kings saw off Urawa Reds 3-0 in another semifinal to book the final berth.

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