Club World Cup: Al-Jazira beats AS Pirae to set up Al Hilal showdown

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:00 am

United Arab Emirates club Al-Jazira defeated Tahiti's AS Pirae 4-1 in the first round of the Club World Cup on Thursday.

Al-Jazira, tournament hosts and champions of UAE's top flight, next face AFC Champions League winners Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia on Sunday, with the victors then facing UEFA Champions League titlists Chelsea in the semifinal.

Al-Jazira raced to a three-goal lead by halftime thanks to Alameri Zayed, Ahmed Al-Attas, and Milos Kosanovic at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Pirae, representatives of the OFC after Auckland City FC pulled out, notched one back on Mohammed Rabii's own goal before Abdoulay Diaby restored the advantage.

The other side of the bracket sees Egyptian side Al Ahly (CAF Champions League) take on Mexican club Monterrey (CONCACAF Champions League) on Saturday for the right to meet Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras from Brazil in their semifinal.