Zizo vow Ahly will fight on after Palmeiras setback at Club World Cup
A 49th-minute own goal from striker Wessam Abou Ali and a sharp finish 10 minutes later by Argentine striker José Manuel López handed the South American champions all three points at MetLife Stadium on Thursday night.
'Ahly's supporters have every right to be upset,' the 29-year-old Zizo told MBC Masr 2 after the match. 'It was a very difficult game and there is nothing we can say to justify the defeat. But we will fight against Porto to win and make our fans happy.'
Zizo, who joined Ahly from cross-town rivals Zamalek this month, insisted the opener came 'against the run of play' and said the team must raise their level in the decisive fixture.
Spanish coach José Riveiro, appointed in late May after leaving South Africa's Orlando Pirates, will need his side to beat Porto – and hope Palmeiras avoid defeat against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami – to secure one of the two quarter-final berths.
After two rounds Palmeiras and Inter Miami have four points apiece, while Ahly and Porto are level on one point but separated by goal difference.
Find more details on group standings, match schedules, and competition statistics.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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