Five matches, five defeats.

That was Africa’s record at the FIFA Club World Cup™ heading into its third instalment. Mohamed Aboutrika boldly stated that Al Ahly wouldn’t let it slip to six from six.

Then he made sure they didn’t. The Giza native’s brilliant free-kick duly helped the Red Devils beat Auckland City 2-0 in their opener. Aboutrika and Ahly then gave eventual champions Internacional a strict examination in a 2-1 loss in the semi-finals.

Concacaf clubs had finished third at the first two editions of the competition, and America were widely expected to continue their run. Aboutrika nevertheless scored another delightful set-piece – he remains, alongside Ronaldinho, one of only two players to register multiple free-kicks in the Club World Cup – and another neat goal to snatch Ahly a 2-1 victory.

Aboutrika went home not only with a bronze medal, but also as Japan 2006’s leading marksman.