Fifa
Doha
Pachuca will face Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final following their dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Al Ahly in the FIFA Challenger Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha on Saturday.
Both sides had chances in the first period, with Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno called into action to stop Taher Mohamed’s low drive early on.
Down the other end Oussama Idrissi, who was Player of The Match in the FIFA Derby of the Americas win over Botafogo earlier in the week, saw a shot blocked following a mazy run. Captain Salomon Rondon pounced on the rebound, but fired over.
Both Idrissi and Nelson Deossa tested Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the second half with long-range efforts but couldn’t break through, meaning extra time would be required to try and find a winner.
The best chance of the game came in the additional period, as Percy Tau set Mahmoud Kahraba through, but Moreno did well to tip aside his chipped attempt.
Penalties would eventually decide the contest. Pachuca missed their opening two spot-kicks, but a sudden-death save by Moreno turned the tide, with two further Al Ahly misses ensuring Los Tuzos advanced in incredible circumstances.
The Mexican side will now face Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final on Wednesday, 18 December, at the Lusail Stadium.