Sounders lose 1-0 to Al Ahly in Club World Cup

  • Wire Service
  • Sunday, February 5, 2023 1:04pm
  • Sports

Associated Press

TANGIER, Morocco — Mohamed Afsha scored on a deflected shot in the 88th minute and sent Al Ahly into the Club World Cup semifinals by beating the Seattle Sounders 1-0 on Saturday.

Afsha scored after coming on as a substitute in the 63rd. He lifted Al Ahly into the semifinals for the third straight year, and brought an abrupt end to the first appearance by a team from the United States in the competition.

His initial shot from outside the penalty area hit the crossbar. Seattle was unable to clear the danger and Afsha’s second attempt deflected off defender Alex Roldan and bounded past goalkeeper Stefan Frei.

It was the only shot on target by the Egyptian club as both sides played a heavily defensive game where chances at goal were limited.

Al Ahly will face Real Madrid in the semifinals next Wednesday in Rabat. Al Ahly has not lost a match in any competition since Aug. 27 in the Egyptian Premier League.

Al Ahly has finished third in each of the past two Club World Cups but has never made the final.

Seattle was the first club from Major League Soccer to take part in the Club World Cup after winning the CONCACAF Champions League last May. The Sounders carried hopes of advancing through their first match and playing at least three matches at the event.

But while Seattle was excellent defensively, it lacked quality chances on attack. Seattle finished with just one shot on goal, a speculative attempt from defensive midfielder Josh Atencio early in the second half.

“I thought we were good. I thought we were evenly matched. A couple of chances. But the deflection on the goal, it’s unfortunate,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said.

Seattle was playing its first competitive match in 3 ½ months while the rest of MLS was going through preseason preparations. The Sounders’ previous match was last October and the team gathered for MLS preseason camp in early January.

“They put everything into the game. They put everything into preseason,” Schmetzer said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett AquaSox shortstop Colt Emerson catches the ball at second base for the first out in a double play during the Opening Day game against the Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerson’s preparation finally paying off in Everett

The AquaSox shortstop is coming off his best month in High-A. Here’s how it came together:

Storm survive Dream on Diggins game-winner

Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler combined for 45 points in the 80-79 win.

Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with the team trident after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners overcome Perez to beat Royals

The Kansas City Royals found themselves in another close encounter against the… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh (29) of the Seattle Mariners bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh named AL Player of the Week

Major League Baseball announced today that catcher Cal Raleigh has… Continue reading

Moore: Ranking the all-time best Seattle sports radio shows

Sports radio shows in Seattle started in the 1970’s, typically at night,… Continue reading

Julius Miettinen listens to a coach during Kraken Development Camp on-ice session for forwards on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pair of Silvertips check status at Kraken Development Camp

Julius Miettinen hopes to take strides back in Everett, while Kaden Hammell turns pro.

Storm three games over .500 near the halfway point

Star forward Nneka Ogwumike was voted an All-Star starter Monday.

Seattle Storm's Sue Bird waves to the crowd after receiving a bouquet of flowers because she is playing in her last WNBA All-Star Game at Wintrust Arena on July 10, 2022. (Stacey Wescott / Tribune News Services)
Seattle Storm to unveil Sue Bird statue honoringWNBA legend

The Seattle Storm announced on Wednesday that the franchise will honor the… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox infielder Colt Emerson gets a high-five from teammate Lazaro Montes after scoring during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vote for the Frog of the Week

Who is the Frog of the Week? Vote for the Everett AquaSox… Continue reading

Lake Stevens’ Haddyjatou Ceesay, left, embraces Brianna Tilgham after coming in second in the 4A girls 400 relay final on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Wesco all-league girls track & field teams announced

Wesco has announced its all-league teams for boys track. WESCO 4A First… Continue reading

The Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino (9) safely slides home to score on Salvador Perez's double during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Another rocky start by M’s Hancock leads to Royals win

The Kansas City Royals entered July with a clean slate.… Continue reading

AquaSox pitcher Taylor Dollard winds up for a pitch in Everett's 9-4 loss to the Eugene Emeralds at Funko Field on June 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Evan Morud / Everett AquaSox)
Elke spurs AquaSox to series-opening win over Vancouver

Still regrouping from some of their best offensive players moving… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.