Ahly to face Monterrey

Al-Ahly's Ahmed Fathi turns away from Corinthians' Danilo Cairo - Hisham Shaheen Al-Ahly will face Mexican side Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup play-off match on Sunday, after Monterrey lost their semi-final to Chelsea on Thursday. Goals from Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and a Darvin Chavez own goal gave Chelsea a 3-1 win over Monterrey at the International Stadium in Yokohama. Aldo de Nigris scored a late consolation. Chelsea and Brazilian side Corinthians will meet in the final of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday at the International Stadium. Before that, al-Ahly and Monterrey will compete for third place at the same venue. Hossam el-Badry's team lost their semi-final against Corinthians on Wednesday. Meanwhile, global football's governing body FIFA have praised Ahly for their semi-final display at the Toyota Stadium. Peruvian striker Paolo Guerrero's first half header secured victory for the Copa Libertadores champions, but Ahly showed plenty of fight. FIFA's analysis of the game reads, "Ahli played football, but Corinthians won the game." The Cairo team are credited with putting in a "great performance, especially in the second half." The website adds that "Corinthians did not pose any threat to the Ahly goal throughout the game, except for Douglas' shot, which went narrowly wide." Alhy striker Mohamed Aboutrika, a second half substitute, is singled out as the side's top performer. "He gave a boost to his colleagues, and then assumed full responsibility of leading the attacks and play-making." This is al-Ahly's fourth appearance at FIFA's global club tournament.