Disappointment reigns for Egypt's Al Ahly this morning as the African Champions crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup, losing 4-2 to Mexico's Pachuca.
Ahly took the lead through a Fausto Pinto own goal in the 28th minute.
Flavio then made it 2-0 with a goal on the counter-attack just before half-time, but Pachuca came storming back after the interval.
Luis Montes reduced their deficit on 47 minutes and Christian Gimenez curled home a free-kick after 73 minutes to send the game to extra time.
The Mexican team moved 3-2 ahead thanks to Damian Alvarez's smart finish in the 98th minute and Gimenez drilled home his second to secure victory.
Pachuca go on to face South American champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador in the semi finals.
The next match in the tournament sees Adelaide United facing Gamba Osaka on Sunday, with the winners playing Manchester United.
Afterwards, Ahly coach Manuel Jose said inexperience and the weight of expectation back home in Egypt was behind his team's defeat.
"We couldn't play our normal game. My players were under heavy pressure in our country and I think they felt heavy responsibility. My players are still not mature enough," Jose said after Saturday's defeat.
"They have not grown up enough as players. They lack experience in international competitions. I'm responsible," he added.
"We couldn't play our best in the first half and still we ended 2-0 at half time. But I can't accept the fact that a team like us loses a goal in only two minutes (into the second half)," said Jose.
"After that goal, Pachuca gathered momentum and started to fight back thinking they would be able to win. It caused us to lose another goal," lamented Jose.
Skipper Shady Mohamed said: "We could have won if the game was 45 minutes. We must think over why we couldn't keep the lead."
MY POV: Tough break for the Egyptians, who came in thinking they could do some damage in this year's tournament. Better luck next time.
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