While City were completing preparations in the Saudi Arabian port city ahead of our semi-final on Tuesday against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, the immediate focus at the spectacular King Abdullah Sport City Stadium was trained on the opening last four clash.
And it was the Brazilians who sealed their place into the global showpiece thanks to a second half penalty from Jhon Arias and a late strike from substitute John Kennedy.
It was an intriguing contest that brought together the Copa Libertadores champions and African Champions League victors with the Egyptians in particular boasting a large vociferous following.
But it was the Brazilians who carved out the game’s first clear cut opening, Arias smacking the right-hand side of the upright on nine minutes.
The action in an intense, full blooded affair then switched to the other end on 18 minutes with only a superb last-ditch tackle from Fluminense’s Felipe Melo denying Al-Ahly’s Percy Tau after he had broken free down the right flank and then bore down on goal.
Incredibly, Arias was then denied by the woodwork once again on 25 minutes as his snap-shot from a quickly worked corner rattled back off the post.
A pulsating contest featuring numerous high speed counter attacks by both sides then saw Al-Ahly’s Kahraba force a fine reflex save from Fluminense keeper Fabio from point blank range.
The end-to-end spectacle showed no let up after the break with Fabio again on hand on the hour to deny Hussein Elshahat after he fizzed in a low effort from 15 yards out.
But the breakthrough goal finally arrived on 71 minutes and went Fluminense’s way as Arias struck from the penalty spot after former Real Madrid and Brazil star Marcelo was adjudged to have been brought down in the box.
Al-Ahly still had numerous chances to draw level, with Taher spurning the Egyptian powerhouses’ best opportunity.
But it was Fluminense who prevailed with substitute Kennedy’s fine 89th strike sealing the deal to book their place in the final where the Brazilians will now play either City or Urawa Red Diamonds.
