Video: With a gift from Abu Al-Shamat, Al-Ahly eliminate Auckland and set up a date with Sundowns

A hard-fought win for the Saudi team

Saleh Abu Al-Shamat fired Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia into the second round of the 2026 Club World Cup, sealing a hard-fought win over visitors Auckland of New Zealand by a single unanswered goal at Al-Inma Stadium in the tournament's opening round.

Abu Al-Shamat struck the only goal in the 63rd minute. Eduard Spertsyan tore down the right flank, reached the edge of the penalty area and picked out his team-mate with a superb pass, and Abu Al-Shamat slotted home with his first touch of the match.

Next up for Al-Ahli are Sundowns of South Africa on 19 September in the second round, for the Cup of the Three Continents: Asia, Africa and Oceania.

Chances were thin on the ground. A few Al-Ahli attempts aside, Auckland kept their defence tight through a first half that fell well short of the second in quality.

Al-Ahli found another gear after the break. They grabbed the only goal, then squandered several openings to add to it.