FIFA Club World Cup: Nigerian Striker Ajayi Powers Al Ahly To Glorious Finish

The African champions fell to defeat against Bayern Munich a few days ago but rose spectacularly to shoot down Brazilian champions Palmeiras on Thursday

Nigerian forward Junior Ajayi applied the decisive touch at the Education City Stadium as Egyptian giants Al Ahly defeated Palmeiras on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Nothing could separate the African kings and the South American lords in Qatar with full-time and extra-time scores locked at zeros. 

But second-half substitute Ajayi powered home his spot-kick to help Al Ahly secure a 3-2 victory after penalties.

Ajayi never made it off the bench when European champions Bayern Munich stopped Pitso Mosimane’s side in the semifinals courtesy of a Robert Lewandowski brace. 

And the former CS Sfaxien ace once again started on the bench against Palmeiras, but he was introduced to replace Walter Bwalya just before the hour mark.

Still, both teams could not produce a goal after 120 minutes, leaving penalties to decide the tie.

Two spot-kicks had both been converted and lost by either team when Ajayi stepped up to make it 3-2 for the Egyptians.

But former Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo missed his kick to send the Africans into jubilations.

Ajayi, who joined Al Ahly from CS Sfaxien in 2016, is one of the most successful Nigerians to play in Egypt.

The former Nigerian youth international is a four-time Premier League winner, has lifted the Egyptian Cup twice, and played a crucial role as Al Ahly won the CAF Champions League last year.