Despite losing to Barcelona in their second group-stage match, Al Ahly have advanced to the Semifinals on goal difference.
The 2024 IHF Men’s Club World Championship is currently held from 27 September to 3 October in New Administrative Capital in Egypt.
Cairo giants Al Ahly & Zamalek are representing Egypt in the competition, with the Reds qualifying as hosts, while their arch-rivals secured their spot as the African Super Cup runner-ups.
Nine teams compete in the tournament divided among three groups, with the top team of each group advancing to the semis alongside the best second-placed team.
Al Ahly put themselves in a pole position when they beat Australia’s Sydney University in the opening game 49-15, with the +34 goal difference helping them go through.
With Zamalek and Saudi club Al-Khaleej finishing second to Telekom Veszprém and SC Magdeburg, all Al Ahly needed was to avoid losing by 18 goals to European champions Barcelona to advance.
Barcelona secured a 31-23 victory, claiming the top spot in Group B; and Al Ahly comfortably progressed to the semifinals thanks to their superior goal difference.
The Egyptian side boasted a +26 goal difference, surpassing Al-Khaleej from Saudi Arabia (+16) and Zamalek (-2).
Al Ahly will face SC Magdeburg of Germany, who topped Group C, in the semifinals.
This marks the third time the Red Devils have reached the semifinals of the Club World Cup, following their runner-up finish in 2007 and fourth-place finish in 2022.