PARIS: Mexican side Pachuca won the FIFA Challenger Cup match on penalties in Qatar on Saturday by edging Egyptian side Al Ahly 6-5 after a dour goalless draw following extra time and will face Real Madrid in next week’s Intercontinental Cup final.

Pachuca won the shootout after missing their first two penalties to become only the second CONCACAF team to reach the final of the competition against European champions Real, which takes place at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.

Neither team could find the net in 120 minutes, with Pachuca struggling to create any real attacking threat after an exciting first half in which the Egyptians dominated possession.

Pachuca’s Carlos Moreno made a number of fine saves to deny the Africans the lead and, despite adjustments and substitutions by both coaches, the match went to extra time and penalties.

Pachuca started the shootout poorly as Salomon Rondon’s effort was saved by Mohamed El-Shenawy and Borja Baston missed.

All was not lost, however, as Mahmoud Kahraba’s shot was later saved by Moreno and Omar Kamal’s spot kick went wide.

Faber Gil put the Mexicans 6-5 ahead and nerves were frayed when Khaled Abdelfattah hit the bar to Egyptian dismay.

“It was difficult, very complicated, especially because of the marathon game we played today,” said Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada. “We’ll try to get the players back on their feet and go into the game (final) with all the motivation in the world.”

Champions League holders Real are the most prolific Intercontinental Cup winners with five titles.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024