Benzema misses penalty as Al-Ittihad exits Club World Cup
Al Ahly turned on the style in the second half to sweep aside Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad 3-1 and secure a place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals.
Benzema missed a penalty that would have levelled the score at 1-1 just before half-time and the Saudi Pro League champion paid a heavy price for the wastefulness of its France and former Real Madrid striker.
Ali Maaloul had fired Al Ahly ahead from the spot – both penalties were awarded for handballs – but it was the period after half-time that set the Egyptian side apart.
First to strike at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium was Hussein El Shahat with a curling shot into right of the goal that gave keeper Abdullah Al-Mayouf no chance.
Then came a slick finish by Emam Ashour after he had presented with a cutback by Kahraba.
Al Ahly suffered a late setback when Anthony Modeste was sent off for use of the elbow, meaning he will not be available for the semi-final against Fluminense, before Benzema grabbed a late consolation.













