Al-Ahly’s leading player enthusiastic about FIFA Club World Cup

Al-Ahly star Emad Meteb has expressed his enthusiasm over his fourth FIFA World Club World Cup participation.

The 30-year-old striker said that the upcoming games were a source of personal motivation, according to Egyptian daily al-Ahram.

Meteb, who was absent from the field for three months because of a back injury, will participate in the FIFA World Club World Cup, held between Dec. 11- 21.

“It is my first championship after a long absence,” Meteb said on the club’s official website, according to al-Ahram.

The African champions will play their first game against China's Guangzhou Evergrande in Agadir in Morocco.

No big difference

“We have met Japanese opponents before and we are familiar with Japanese football. There is no big difference between it and the Chinese,” Meteb said.

The winner of the game will meet European champions Bayern Munich in the semi-final.

Meteb and the Egyptian team al-Ahly will be representing Africa for the fifth time at the FIFA Club World Cup event.

Al-Ahly has qualified after a victory a 2-0 win against South African club Orlando Pirates which gave the Red Devils a 3-1 aggregate victory.