Ahly coach optimistic about Club World Cup in Morocco

Ahly's coach Mohamed Youssef believes the coming Club World Cup tournament in Morocco will be better for the Egyptian giants than the last one in Japan, as he expects more support from the Moroccan people throughout the tournament's matches. "Theoretically, playing in Morocco gives us an advantage. First, it’s an Arab country, so the fans there will support us," Youssef was quoted as saying on FIFA's website Sunday. "The weather is also pretty much similar to Egypt’s, so such factors could favour us," he added. The Cairo giants will represent Africa in the Club World Cup for the fifth time after winning the African Champions League earlier this month against South Africa's Orlando Pirates. They will start their campaign 14 December against Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande of China in the quarter-finals. The winner will face European champions Bayern Munich in the semifinal 17 December. The Red Devils have arranged a friendly with Moroccan side Maghreb de Fes on Sunday amid preparations for the prestigious tournament. Ahly's best showing was a third-place finish in the 2006 tournament in Japan. Source: Ahram Online