William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, USA

New York, June 26, GNA – It’s the end of the road for the four contenders at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on going in the United States of America (USA).

Not even African giants and big spenders Al Ahly of Egypt could afford a round of 16 berth, despite having an enviable record in the competition where they place third on four occasions since the competition started.

Al Ahly could only afford two draws and a loss in a group that also featured Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, and that was not enough to grant them passage to the next round of the competition.

For a moment, expectations were high as South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, Africa’s last remaining hope at the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, were going to make it to the next stage but a draw game against Flumenense made their four points not enough for passage into the round of 16.

They fell to German side Borrusia Dortmund 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, having won their opener against Ulsan HD from South Korea.

Esperance of Tunisia on the other hand managed only a win and two defeats that saw them exit a group stages of the competition.

Esperance had to contend with tough customers like Chelsea and Brasilian Flamengo in the championships.

Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca have also exited the competition, are the poorest in the competition with no points after three matches.

With just a match in their group, Wydad would not make any progress if they win. It would be all about pride as they take on Al Ain in a dead rubber.

The competition would enter the next phase on Saturday, with some mouth-watering pairings.
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