Ahly players attempt to stop Adelaide's Cristiano from scoring

Al Ahly of Egypt finished sixth at the Club World Cup in Japan on Thursday after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Adelaide United of Australia.

Brazilian import Cristiano scored a 25-yard screamer on seven minutes to ensure that the African champions finish with the wooden spoon.

After stripping an Al Ahly defender of the ball, Cristiano rifled a right-footed blast from the top of the area past goalkeeper Amir Abdelhamid.

Mohamed Barakat had the best scoring chance for the Egyptians in the 83rd minute when he fired from 25-yards out only to have Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic make a brilliant diving save.

Six-time African champions were ragged and couldn't keep possession, but they perked up after influential Adelaide star Diego was forced off after 24 minutes with a knee injury.

His departure sparked the Egyptians into life and they had a series of chances to draw level, with Angola's Flavio getting another fine opportunity as they pressed hard for the equaliser.

Throughout the match, we didn't have enough scoring opportunities Manuel Jose

Al Ahly kicked off the second period with a new determination and dominated the opening 20 minutes but, as in the first half, their finishing was suspect and they failed to convert numerous chances.

Adelaide grimly hung on with goalkeeper and captain Galekovic rescuing them with the fine reflex save from Barakat as the clock ticked down.

It was a disappointing result for the six-time African champions, who came to the tournament with high expectations but finished in sixth place.

"Throughout the match, we didn't have enough scoring opportunities," said Al Ahly coach Manuel Jose.

"We were nervous and couldn't keep up with Adelaide."

Al Ahly take home US$1m for sixth place in the tournament of continental champions.

Adelaide lost 1-0 to Japan's Gamba Osaka in the quarter-finals while Al Alhy lost 4-2 to Mexico's Pachuca.

European champion Manchester United will take on Gamba Osaka in a semi-final later on Thursday.

The winner will advance to face Ecuador's Liga de Quito in Sunday's final.

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