Ahmed pleased at scoring fastest goal
ABU DHABI — Al Ain’s Mohamed Ahmed leapt beyond everyone to head home the opening goal against Esperance de Tunis. It was a corner taken by midfielder Rayan Yaslem and the little flick into the goal by the defender Ahmed is now the fastest recorded goal in the history of the Fifa Club World Cup’s eight-game format.
Ahmed took only 79 seconds to score the goal in Al Ain’s 3-0 second-round win over Esperance on Saturday night at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Ahmed’s goal was scored 32 seconds quicker than Atletico Mineiro midfielder Diego Tardelli’s goal after 111 seconds in the 2013 tournament.
“I am very pleased that my name will remain in Fifa history books after scoring the fastest goal in the history of the tournament. I hope no one can break my record.”
Ahmed is looking forward to semis clash against River Plate on Tuesday.
“We want to go all the way and we believe we can reach the final if we have the right attitude against River Plate,” added Ahmed.
Aref Al Awani, Tournament Director, Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2018 Local Organising Committee, praised Ahmed’s historic achievement. “It is great for Mohamed Ahmed to have his name associated with the record as the fastest goal scorer in FIFA Club World Cup history. It is also an achievement for all of UAE football. These records and achievements in the tournament help enhance UAE football overall.”